- 8 os pkg (1 1/4 cups) pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 Tbs flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 Tbs wter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose or unbleached flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 6 oz pkg candy orange slices, cut into small pieces
- powdered sugar
In medium saucepan, combine dates, sugar, 2 Tbs four and 1/2 cup water. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool.
Heat oven to 350F. In large bowl, beat brown sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add 1 Tbs water, vanilla, and eggs; mix well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add 1 3/4 cups flour, baking soda, and salt; mix well. Stir in nuts. Spread half of batter in bottom of ungreased 13″x9″ pan. Top with chopped candy; spread with date mixture. Spread with remaining half of batter. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. (Bars will be soft in center.) Cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars. Makes 36 servings.