Derby Trail Cook Book

[Downthestretch55]

I'll keep with the dessert theme. Give these "dream date" bars a try.
Worth the time.

Oatmeal Dream Dates


8 oz Pitted dates, coarsley
.. chopped
1 1/2 c Orange juice
2 1/2 c All purpose flour
1 1/2 c Firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 ts Salt; optional
1 1/2 c Butter; chilled
2 c Oats; quick or regular,
.. uncooked
1 1/2 c Flaked coconut; divided
1 c Chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium saucepan, combine dates and orange
juice. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 15-20
minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat; cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt.
Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in
oats, 1 cup coconut and muts; mix well. Reserve 4
cups mixture for topping; set aside.

Press remaining mixture onto bottom of an
ungreased 9x13x2" baking pan. Spread date mixture
evenly over crust to within 1/4" of edge. Sprinkle
with reserved oat mixture, then 1/2 cup coconut,
patting gently. Bake 35-40 minutes or until light
golden. Cool completely; cut into bars.

Makes 24 bars.