MOLASSES DATE BARS

1 cup sifted enriched flour

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ teaspoon soda

1 egg, beaten

½ cup sugar

½ cup GRANDMA’S MOLASSES

¼ cup shortening, melted

½ teaspoon vanilla

⅔ cup chopped nuts

7-oz. pkg. pitted dates, chopped fine

Heat oven to 350° F. (moderate). Sift together first three ingredients. Combine egg, sugar, molasses, shortening, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, nuts, and dates. Pour into a 9x9x2-inch pan, lined with waxed paper, greased and lightly floured. Bake 40 minutes or until done. Turn out onto wire cooler; remove paper. When cold, cut into 32 bars. Roll in confectioners’ sugar, if desired. YIELD: 32 bars.