1 (1 lb.) box dark brown sugar
3/4 c. butter
2 eggs
2 tbsp. vanilla extract
2 med. cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, divided
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. chopped fresh dates

Combine sugar and butter in a large heavy saucepan; cook over low heat 20 minutes, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Toss apples with 1/4 cup flour; set aside. Add remaining 2 1/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt to sugar mixture; mix well. Fold in apples, pecans, and dates; pour batter into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into squares. Yields about 3 dozen.