Date Squares

Ingredients

2 cups boiling water
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 cups dates, chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch, diluted in water
1/2 to 1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 cups oatmeal
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Boil water. Add brown sugar and disolve. Add diluted cornstarch (remove pan from burner temporarily when adding cornstarch). Add dates and stir on medium heat until thickened somewhat. Remove from heat and let cool. Mix oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. (Break up clumps of brown sugar). Add melted butter and mix thoroughly. Spread half of mixture onto greased (lasagne size) pan. Pat down. Spread date mixture on top of crust and spread. Place remaining crust mixture over dates and gently press down. Bake at 3250 for 20-30 minutes or until golden in color Notes: Do not use those pre chopped dates that are sold in boxes, you will not have the same result. Buying pre pitted dates makes this a whole lot simpler.