Directions

1. Bring the water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Add the dates and 
simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent dates from 
sticking, until mixture is thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.  Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease an 8X8 square baking pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, oats, sugar, 
walnuts, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press half of the flour mixture into the bottom of the baking pan. Press firmly with your fingers so that the bottom crust will hold together.
4. Gently spread the date mixture over the bottom crust. Pour the remaining flour mixture on top and press gently to make an even top crust.
5. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until the crust starts browning. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

294 calories, 13g fat, 6g sat fat, 42g carbohydrates, 5g protein, 245mg sodium, 4g fiber