Date Bars

Chef mariajane's Note:

I love these date bars, not quite like the old-fashioned date squares, but still very, very good!!

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 16 bars

• 1 (8 ounce) package dates , chopped
• ¾ cup Carnation Evaporated Milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ cup butter or ½ cup margarine , softened
• ½ cup light brown sugar , packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup quick oats
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F Grease 8-inch-square baking dish.
2. Combine dates, evaporated milk, sugar, and vanilla in medium saucepan. Cook, over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until creamy. Beat in flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. With floured fingers, press half of crust mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Spread date filling over crust. Top with remaining crust.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.