Recipe: Date Bars abd Squares (re: Betty Crocker's Date Bars)

I think I found something (finally) with coconut!!

DATE BARS AND SQUARES

8 ounces whole pitted dates
1 1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup golden brown sugar, packed
3/4 pound cold unsalted butter or margarine, cut into sm. pieces
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats, uncooked
Powdered sugar (for sprinkling over top)

Place the dates and water in a medium saucepan. Simmer over moderate heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Stir occasionally to break up dates. Remove from heat.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the flour, salt, sugar and butter in a food processor fitted with a metal blade or in a mixing bowl with a fork. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the coconut, walnuts and oats. Pulse on and off in food processor or stir just until blended.

Press half the pastry into the bottom of an ungreased 9x12 inch baking pan. Cover with a sheet of waxed paper. Pat flat. Discard wax paper. Spread the date mixture over the dough to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Top the mixture with the remaining dough, spreading it evenly and flattening it slightly.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to cooling racks and cool completely. Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 16 squares