Middle Eastern cooking offers many recipes using dates. This sweet treat is usually served in the evening, following dinner with a drink, such as coffee, tea, or milk and good conversation.

1	cup	rolled oats, plain or instant
1/2	cup	all-purpose flour
1/2	tsp.	baking powder
1/2	cup	dark brown sugar
1/2	tsp.	salt
1	tsp.	cinnamon
1	cup	melted butter or margarine
2		eggs, well beaten
1	cup	finely chopped pitted dates
1	cup	finely chopped nuts
1/2	cup	confectioners' sugar for garnish

1. Mix oats, flour, baking powder, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon in large bowl. Mix well. Add butter or margarine, eggs, dates, and nuts, mix well.
2. Put mixture into 8" greased square baking pan.
3. Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes, until firm.
4. Remove from oven and cut while warm into 1 1/2" squares. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

May be served as cookie or candy treat. Store in covered bowl and refrigerate. Date bars make an excellent holiday food gift.