Caramel-Date Bars

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05

Title: Caramel-Date Bars
Categories: Cookies
Yield: 36 servings

1 c Brown sugar
1/2 c Butter or margarine
Softened
1/4 c Shortening
1 3/4 c All-purpose flour
1 1/2 c Oats; quick-cooking
1 ts Salt
1/2 ts Baking powder
1 lb Fresh dates; (3 cups)
1 1/2 c Water
1/4 c Sugar
14 oz Caramel candies
1 c Flaked coconut

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix brown sugar, margarine,and shortening.
Stir in 1 3/4 cups Flour, the Oats, salt, and Baking Powder. Remove 2 cups
of the mixture; Reserve. Press remaining mixture in an ungreased rectangle
pan 13x9x2 ins.
Heat 1 pound od Dates, cut up about (3 cups) ! 1/2 cups of water and 1/4
cup Sugar over a low heat stiring constantly until it becomes thick. About
10 min. Set aside to cool.
Spread this mixture over the first layer in the pan, heat the candies
over a low heat, and when melted spread this over the top of the Date
mixture. Top with the reserved Oat mixture and sprinkle the Flaked Coconut
on top, press fimrly down. Bake until golden brown appx. 25 to 30 min. Cut
into bars 2x1 1/2 inches while warm. This recipe will yeild appx. 36 Bars.
The Carmels are not really needed but add a far better flavor...

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