Orange Walnut-Date Bars

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Orange Walnut-Date Bars

Sift together in bowl and reserve:
1 cup unsifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix together with electric mixer or wooden spoon until light and fluffy:
1/3 cup soft butter or margarine
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

Beat in
1 egg
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Add flour mixture and blend until smooth. Stir in
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Spread evenly in greased and floured baking pan (11 x 7 x 1 inches). Bake in preheated oven 350° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until browned. Spread with Orange Butter Frosting. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts. Cut in 33 bars about 2 inches x 1 inch.

If cookies are not to be used at once, do not frost. Cover whole pan with moisture-proof wrap and store in the refrigerator. Frost the day before serving. Frosted cookies keep well in the freezer but will not ship well.