1 1/2 cups pitted whole dates, chopped
3/4 cup water
2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup margarine, softened
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup regular oats, uncooked
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt

Combine dates, water and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Cream margarine; gradually add brown sugar and beat at medium speed using an electric blender until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well. Combine oats and next 4 ingredients and add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Press 2 cups oat mixture evenly into a 9-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray; reserve remaining oat mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes. Spread date mixture evenly over prepared crust and top with remaining oat mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan and cut into 16 bars.

Makes 16 Servings
Serving Size: 1 bar