Date Bars

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, set oven rack to second-lowest position, then grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

Step 2: For the date filling; in a saucepan combine the chopped dates with both sugars, water, orange juice and 2 tablespoon butter; bring to a boil over medium-low heat, then simmer until the mixture is thickened pushing down with a fork or a potato masher to break up any large date pieces (the mixture should be semi-smooth and cooking time should take about 15-20 minutes) mix in vanilla then set aside.

Step 3: For the crumb/crust topping; in a large bowl combine the cake mix with oatmeal, cinnamon and brown sugar.

Step 4: In a small bowl whisk egg with melted butter and vanilla; add to the cake mix/oat mixture; using clean hands mix until crumbly and the mixture barely holds together.

Step 5: Pat two-third of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the pan pressing down gently to cover evenly.

Step 6: Carefully spread the cooked date mixture over the crust spreading out evenly to cover.

Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top; using hands gently pat the mixture down (do not pat down firmly).

Step 8: Bake for 20-22 minutes (the top should be very lightly browned).

Step 9: For easier slicing cool the bars then refrigerate or semi-freeze.