Apricot - Date Bars

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-natural apricot nectar 
• 1.8 cups stewed apricots drained
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 cup dates pitted chopped
• 2 cups flour all-purpose
• 2 cups cooking oats quick
• 0.8 cup shortening melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 0.5 cup sugar white

Equipment

• frying pan
• oven

Directions

1. To Make Filling: Cook together the dates, drained cooked apricots, white sugar and apricot juice. Cook for about three minutes, or until it resembles jam.
2. Mix together melted shortening (part butter), brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, quick cooking oats, and vanilla.
3. Press half of the crust mixture on bottom of well greased 9 x 12 x 2 inch pan. Cover with filling. Top with rest of crumbs. Press down gently.
4. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).