This is a recipe I have. I always get lots of raves when I take them anywhere.
DATE CRUMB BARS
For Filling:
1 pound pitted dates
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Crust:
1½ cups old-fashioned oats
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.
1. To make filling, combine ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar
3. Simmer 1 minute.
4. Puree mixture in a food processor
5. Cool.
1. To make crust, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Butter a 9-by-13 inch pan.
3. Mix oats, flour, sugar, & soda in a medium bowl.
4. Add butter & rub with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Firmly press half of crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
6. Spread filling over crust.
7. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling.
8. Bake until topping is golden brown, about 38 minutes.
9. Cool in pan. (Can be prepared a day ahead. Cover & let stand at room temperature.
10. Cut into squares & serve.