Ingredients
1 pound pitted dates, quartered1-1/2 cups water1/2 cup sugar1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats1 cup packed brown sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon almond extract3/4 cup shorteningWhipped cream, optional
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dates, water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened and dates are tender, stirring constantly, 7-9 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, vanilla, baking soda, salt and almond extract. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Press half onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Carefully spread with date mixture.
Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling; press down gently. Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. If desired, serve with whipped cream.
