One of our favorite desserts is date bar.  I like to make it when we go camping, especially with Al's bro &  his wife, Dan & Kathy.

Date Nut Bars

Filling
1 pound chopped dates
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
     Boil 5 - 10 minutes and let cool.  Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 tablespoon of butter.

Cookie Crust
1 3/4 cups oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

     Combine dry ingredients.  Mix in:
3/4 cup melted butter

     Press half of the mixture into a 9 X 13 greased pan.  Add filling.  Sprinkle the rest of the crust mixture over the filling.

     Bake 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes.  Top with powdered sugar, if you'd like.