Ingredients
2 cups quick-cooking oats3/4 cup shortening1/2 cup sugar2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup buttermilkFILLING:3 cups chopped dates (about 1 pound)1 cup sugar1 cup water1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, optionalGLAZE:1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar1/8 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 tablespoons milk
Preparation
Place oats in a food processor, cover and process until finely ground; set aside. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Divide in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of dough to fit a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine the dates, sugar, water and lemon juice if desired; bring to a boil. Cool for 10 minutes.
Spread over crust. Roll remaining dough to fit pan; place over filling and seal edges. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Combine glaze ingredients; spread over bars while warm. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.
