Date filled bars with nuts and coconut

Dad asked me to post this recipe from their mission. He said it's delicious!

1½ cups rolled oats (¾ cup ground in blender; (¾ cuprolled)

1 cup white flour (sifted)

½ cup wheat flour (sifted)

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ teaspoon baking soda

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ cup butter, softened

2 cups pitted dates (measure, then dice)

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1+ cups water

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup walnuts or pecans (chopped and toasted, not burned)

1/3 cup shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

In a large bowl, combine oats (ground and regular), both sifted flours, 2/3 cup brown sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Mix in the butter until crumbly and large chunks of butter are broken down to small lumps. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water and 1/3 brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened – add water until right consistency. Stir in lemon juice, vanilla, chopped nuts and coconut and remove from heat. Spread the filling over the base and pat the remaining crumb mixture on top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in preheated oven or until top is lightly toasted. Cool before cutting.