---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
 
      Title: Caramel-Date Bars
 Categories: Cookies
      Yield: 36 servings
 
      1 c  Brown sugar
    1/2 c  Butter or margarine
           Softened
    1/4 c  Shortening
  1 3/4 c  All-purpose flour
  1 1/2 c  Oats; quick-cooking
      1 ts Salt
    1/2 ts Baking powder
      1 lb Fresh dates; (3 cups)
  1 1/2 c  Water
    1/4 c  Sugar
     14 oz Caramel candies
      1 c  Flaked coconut
 
     Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix brown sugar, margarine,and shortening.
  Stir in 1 3/4 cups Flour, the Oats, salt, and Baking Powder. Remove 2 cups
  of the mixture; Reserve. Press remaining mixture in an ungreased rectangle
  pan 13x9x2 ins.
     Heat 1 pound od Dates, cut up about (3 cups) ! 1/2 cups of water and 1/4
  cup Sugar over a low heat stiring constantly until it becomes thick. About
  10 min. Set aside to cool.
     Spread this mixture over the first layer in the pan, heat the candies
  over a low heat, and when melted spread this over the top of the Date
  mixture. Top with the reserved Oat mixture and sprinkle the Flaked Coconut
  on top, press fimrly down. Bake until golden brown appx. 25 to 30 min. Cut
  into bars 2x1 1/2 inches while warm. This recipe will yeild appx. 36 Bars.
  The Carmels are not really needed but add a far better flavor...
 
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