Date Crumb Bars

FILLING
1 lb. pitted dates
2/3 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. orange juice
1 Tbls. vanilla

CRUST
1 1/2 c. oats
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 pinch of salt
1 c. unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
3/4 c. walnuts, chopped

Stir dates, sugar and juice in saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Simmer til dates are tender and syrup is thick. Cool. Mix in vanilla. Puree in food processor til smooth. Preheat oven to 350*. Butter a 13*9 pan. Mix crumb ingredients with fingers, minus the nuts. Press 1/2 crumb mixture into pan, spread filling on top. Add nuts to top crust and sprinkle over filling. Bake for 40 minus or til golden. Cool, cut, serve.