Date Squares

My family really enjoys these timeless favorites, healthy and easy to make. I double the recipe.

Ingredients

* 1 cup flour
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. baking soda
* 2 1/2 cups oats
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 3/4 cup melted margarine

Date paste:
1 cup or 1/2 lb. dates
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar

Directions

Mix together first 6 ingredients. Dice dates and add water. Cook until tender. Add brown sugar and cook until thick. Put one-half of oat mixture in greased 12x8 inch pan. Press down. Spread with date filling. Top with remaining oat mixture and press down. Bake 20 minutes at 375°. Cut in squares while warm. Cool in pan. Yields 24 squares.

Nutritional analysis per square:

* Calories: 182
* Cholesterol: 0 mg.
* Fat: 6 g.
* Sodium: 133 mg.
* Calories from fat: 30%

From Rhode Island Hospital's Healthy Cooker