Two steps forward one step back

Spring just does not want to come and stay in my neck of the world..one or two nice warm days followed by cold, gloomy and rainy days.



Today is the gloomy type of day and perfect for baking...Date Bars from my favorite Betty Crocker's cookbook.





Date Filling

3 cups cut up pitted dates (1 pound)

1 1/2 cup water

1/4 cup sugar



Cook all ingredients in medium saucepan, over low heat, for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly until thick, cool.



then..



1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup butter or margarine softened

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda



Heat oven to 400 degrees, grease bottom and sides of a rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.



Mix brown sugar and butter then stir in remaining ingredients until crumbly. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly in the bottom of the pan. Spread with filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture, press lightly.



Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool in pan on wire rack, cut into 2 x 1 1/2 inch bars while warm.



Really delicious with tea or coffee and freezes well.