Calypso Bars

Ingredients

2 1/2 squares unsweetened chocolate
2/3 cup hot water
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cup (1 pkg.) chopped dates
1 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cup sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon soda
1 cup chopped nuts
1 1/2 cup quick cooking oats

Instructions

Melt chocolate in hot water over low heat. Add granulated sugar; stir until dissolved. Add dates. Cook over low heat 5 minutes. Blend in 1/4 cup butter. Add vanilla. Cool. Cream 3/4 cup butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Sift together flour, salt and soda. Add to creamed mixture; blend well. Add nuts and oats. Mix until crumbly. Press 1/2 onto bottom of greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Add date mixture. Top with remainder of nut mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm or cool. Makes 30 squares.