1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 (8 oz.) pkg. (1 1/2 c.) pitted dates, halves
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. rolled oats
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. chopped nuts
3/4 c. butter

In medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, dates and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until thick. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla; cool.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13 x 9 inch pan. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, 1 cup brown sugar and nuts. using pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 2 cups of crumb mixture for topping.

Press remaining crumb mixture firmly in bottom of greased pan. Spread evenly with date mixture. Sprinkle with reserve crumb mixture; pat lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 23 to 35 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely; cut into bars.

Makes 36 bars.