Date Orange Bars

Date filling:

1/2 pound dates cut fine
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water

Dough for Crust:

1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons hot water
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup nuts (walnut, pecans or slivered almonds)
1 cup candy orange slices

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. In a large saucepan cook the dates, flour, sugar and water until thickened.

2. Set aside to cool.

3. In a large bowl cream shortening then add the brown sugar and cream well.

4. Beat in the eggs.

5. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water.

6. Beat into the brown sugar mixture then the flour, sugar, salt and vanilla, mix well.

7. Stir in the nuts.

8. Cut each of the candy orange slices into four pieces.

9. Spread one half of the dough in a 9x13 inch pan.

10. Place cut orange slices on dough, do this evenly or in rows.

11. Spread date mixture over top of orange slices.

12. Cover with remaining half of the dough.

13. Bake for about 40 minutes or until top is browned.