Crispy Date Bars

Crispy Date Bars

For the crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

For the filling:
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 egg
2 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup chopped nuts
1 tsp vanilla

For the frosting:
1 pkg (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp milk

Heat the oven to 375 F. In a small bowl, mix the crust ingredients until crumbly. Press into an ungreased 11 x 7 inch or 9 inch square pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a 2-quart saucepan, cook the dates, granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture boils. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes. In another small bowl, beat the egg with a fork until well blended. Stir about 1/4 cup of the hot date minxture into the beaten egg. Return to the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cereal, nuts, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Spread over the baked crust. Cool for 1 hour 30 minutes. In a medium bowl, beat the frosting ingredients with an electric mixture on low speed until smooth. Spread over the filling. Makes 24 bars