Oatmeal Date Nut Bars

I love cooking during the fall season. One pot meals such as soup, chili and stew. And making these delicious Oatmeal Date Nut bars. These little gems get me in the mood for cooking and baking during the holiday season. Time to start thinking about Turkey and stuffing, pumpkin pie and of course, Christmas cookies.

1-1/2 cups butter or Margarine, melted

1-1/2 cups brown sugar, packed

4-1/2 cups oatmeal

2-1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup walnut or pecans, chopped

1 lb pitted dates

1-1/2 cups water

Mix together butter, brown sugar, oatmeal and flour. Set aside. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook and stir till spreadable, dates and water. Add more water if needed. Be careful not to scorch the dates.

Using a large cookie sheet, spread 1/2 the crumb mixture in the bottom of pan. Pat down. Spread the Dates over the top of crumb mixture in an even layer. Then top with the other half of crumb mixture and pat firmly again.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 - 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars.

Enjoy!