Oatmeal-Date Bars

Combine dates, water and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring frequently.

Set aside.

Cream butter; gradually add brown sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Add vanilla, beating well.

Combine oats and next 4 ingredients; add to creamed mixture, stirring until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Press 2 cups oat mixture evenly into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray; set remaining oat mixture aside.

Bake at 375° for 5 minutes or until crust looks puffed.

Spread date mixture over prepared crust and top with remaining oat mixture.

Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Cut into bars.

Yield: 16 bars.