Granola Date Bars

• 1/2 cup (8oz) chopped dates
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 3/4 cup Half and Half or light cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups quick oats, not instant
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tespoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Heat dates, coconut and half and half in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, until mixture boils and thickens, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool. Combine oats, flour, sugar, soda and cinnamon in medium bowl and mix well. Pour melted butter over dry ingredients and stir untill thoroughly moistened. Press about 3 cups of granola mixture into bottom of 8x8-inch baking dish. Place in refrigerator about 30 minutes to harden. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread cooled date filling evenly over granola base. Sprinkle remaining granola mixture (about 3/4 cup) over date filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until granola topping is slightly browned and crisp. Cool to room temperature before cutting into squares.

Yield: 16 servings.