These sweet, moist and chewy oatmeal and date cookie bars are great served as is or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Sweet Date Bars

2/3 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 pound dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray; set aside.
2. Cream together shortening and brown sugar. Stir in oatmeal, flour and baking soda; mix into a fine crumb texture. Place half of the mixture in pan, pressing firmly.
3. In a saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water. Cook, stirring, until the consistency of jam. Spread on crumb mixture in the pan. Cover with remaining crumb mixture and press lightly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Makes 24 bars.