Granny Shelton's Date Bars

1 1/2 cup (8 oz.) whole pitted dates
1 1/2 cup orange juice
2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup golden brown sugar, packed
3/4 lb. 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
Powdered sugar for sprinkling over top

Place the dates and orange juice 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. 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


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