1/2 lb. dates, cut up
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. water
3/4 c. shortening (1 1/2 sticks butter)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 2 tbsp. hot water
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 3/4 c. flour
1 (14 oz.) pkg. candy orange slices
powdered sugar

Boil dates, sugar, flour and water until thick, then let cool. Spread 1/2 of batter in greased 9 x 13 pan or smaller. Cover with candy orange slices (which have been sliced lengthwise in 3 pieces). Spread date mixture over orange slices. Spread on remaining batter.

Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut in small bars. These bars freeze well.