Cranberry and Caramel Date Bars

• cranberries↗1 cup
• sugar↗10 tablespoons
• all-purpose flour↗2 1⁄3 cups
• oats↗2 cups
• packed light brown sugar1⁄2 cup
• baking soda↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• butter or margarine, melted↗1 cup
• dates, chopped↗1 1⁄2 cups
• walnuts, toasted↗3⁄4 cup
• caramel ice cream topping1 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven 350°F.

2. 2

   In bowl, combine cranberries and 2 tablespoons sugar.

3. 3

   In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour,oats,remaining 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar and soda.

4. 4

   Add butter and mmx well (pastry blender works well).

5. 5

   Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture.

6. 6

   Press remainder firmly on bottom of 13x9-inch baking pan.

7. 7

   Bake 15 minutes.

8. 8

   Sprinkle dates, walnuts and cranberry mixture over crust.

9. 9

   Mix caramel topping and remaining 1/3 cup flour; Spoon over fruit and walnuts.

10. 10

    Top with reserved crumb mixture.

11. 11

    Bake 20 minutes or until lightly brown.

12. 12

    Cool.

13. 13

    Cut into bars.