Ingredients
1/4
cup sugar
1
cup water
2
cups chopped peeled apples
1
(8-oz.) pkg. chopped dates
1 3/4
cups all-purpose flour
1/2
teaspoon baking soda
1/4
teaspoon salt
3/4
cup margarine or butter
1 1/2
cups rolled oats
1
cup firmly packed brown sugar
Preparation
In medium saucepan, combine all filling ingredients; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook about 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
Meanwhile, heat oven to 375°F. Grease and flour 13x9-inch pan. In large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. With pastry blender or fork, cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add oats and brown sugar; mix well.
Press 3 cups crumb mixture evenly in greased and floured pan. Spread evenly with filling. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture; press lightly.
Bake at 375°F. for 18 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled. Cut into bars.
