Chewy Chocolate Date Bars

2 cups dates (cut up)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)(chopped)
2 cups flour
1 1/4 teaspoon soda
3/4 teaspoon salt


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 11 x 17 jelly roll pan.

1. In a large saucepan over low heat cook dates, brown sugar, water and margarine together until dates are soft.

2. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips stirring until they are melted. Cool until mixture is lukewarm.

3. Blend in the eggs, one at a time.

4. In a separate bowl mix the milk and orange juice.

5. In a bowl mix the flour, soda and salt.

6. Add to the date mixture alternating with the milk and orange juice.

7. Fold in the nuts.

8. Pour into the prepared jelly roll pan and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Cool.

9. Sift powdered sugar over top. Cut into squares or bars.