Root Beer Date Bars

Yield: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) can root beer
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pound dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Bring root beer, cinnamon and dates to a boil in a saucepan until thickened, stirring often; cool.
3. Cream shortening, oil and brown sugar; add remaining ingredients. Mixture will be crumbly. Spread half of batter in greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Pat down this layer. Spread with cooled filling and cover with remaining crumbs.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Cool completely.
6. Cut into bars.