Date Matrimonial Bars (IA) Recipe

Crumb mixture:

1 and 3/4 cups quick oatmeal
1 and 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup soft butter (no substitutes)
Filling:

8 ounces chopped dates
1/2 cup water
1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine crumb mixture ingredients and stir until well blended. Press half of mixture into a well-greased 8-by-8-inch baking dish. In a small saucepan, stir together filling ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly and smooth. Pour filling evenly over crumb mixture. Spread remaining crumb mixture over filling. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve when cool.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen: Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb mixture.