1 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
1 egg
2 c. sweetened applesauce
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. chopped dates
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream shortening and sugar. Add beaten egg and applesauce. Sift flour, soda, salt and spices. Add to first mixture. Add dates, nuts and vanilla. Pour in a greased and floured 11 x 16 inch pan or 2 (7 x 11 inch) pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 or 40 minutes. Spread brown sugar frosting over while hot. When cool, cut in bars.

BROWN SUGAR FROSTING:

1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. milk

Boil together for 1 minute after it starts a good rolling boil. Remove from fire and cool in water until mixture starts to thicken slightly. Stir in enough powdered sugar so it spreads easily. May be frozen.