Date Delights

Delicious date bars that are easy to make and wonderful to eat. Uses buttermilk baking mix.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 30 squares

Ingredients

• 8  ounces pitted dates, cut into small pieces
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1⁄4 cup shortening
• 2  cups buttermilk baking mix
• 1 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal, uncooked
• 3⁄4 cup water

Directions

1. In a small saucepan combine dates with 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar.
2. Bring to boil over medium low heat.
3. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens, about 8 minutes.
4. Set aside.
5. Spray a 9 inch square pan generously with cooking spray.
6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
7. In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, butter, and shortening.
8. Blend in baking mix, oats and brown sugar until mixture is crumbly.
9. Press 1/2 of the mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
10. Spread evenly with date mixture.
11. Crumble remaining crumb mixture evenly over date layer.
12. Press down lightly.
13. Bake for 25 minutes or until light golden brown.
14. Cool completely on wire rack.
15. Cut into squares.