• 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.