Party Date Bars

Directions

For filling, combine dates, sugar, orange peel and orange juice in medium-sized saucepan.

Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Cool. Stir in nutmeats.

For base, sift together flour, soda and salt.

Add oats and sugar; mix well.

Stir in butter; mix until crumbly. Firmly press ⅔ of mixture into greased 8-inch square baking pan.

Spread filling evenly over crumb base.

Top with remaining crumb mixture; pack lightly.

Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 F) 30 to 35 minutes. Cool; cut in bars.