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Date Oatmeal Bars

• 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted & chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-1/2 cups oatmeal

Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees (F). Combine dates, sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon vanilla in a sauce pan. Cook on medium heat until mixture begins to bubble. Set aside to cool. Stir in chopped walnuts when cool. Make Crumb mixture by Combining brown sugar, butter and 1- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Grind enough Graham Crackers in your food processor to make one cup. Add to crumb mixture with baking soda, allspice and salt. Mix well. Mix in oatmeal and remove 1-1/2 cups mixture and set aside. Place remaining crumb mixture in greased 13x9 inch baking pan and press firmly on bottom. Spread date mixture over crust to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top with reserved crumb mixture and press lightly. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Cut into bars. Store covered at room temperature.
Makes about 24 to 36 bars.