• 2# or more Chopped Dates
• 1/2 Cup Splenda or White Sugar
• 1 1/2 Cups Boiling Water
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 2 1/2 Cups Flour
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 3/4 tsp. Baking Soda
• 3 1/4 Cups Rolled Oats (Oatmeal)
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 Cups Shortening

1. Cook in a pot on stove adding more water as required to cook dates until they are mushy. (I generally cook for 20 minutes or more and add about another cup of water)
2. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, oats and brown sugar.
3. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender.
4. Spread approximately 3/4 of mix over the bottom of a large greased pan 9 x 13” .
5. Press with hands or back of a spoon to level and compress.
6. Spread the cooked dates on top and then the remaining oats pressing onto dates lightly.
7. Bake for one hour at 350.
8. Cool and cut into squares.

I have to make this every Christmas or my family would disown me. But then it is my favourite too so it doesn't take much persuasion.