Saskatchewan Orange-glazed Date Bars

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Yield: 3-4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

 * 1½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
 * ¾ teaspoon baking soda
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * ¾ cup lightly packed brown sugar
 * 1¼ cups (8 ounces) chopped pitted dates
 * ½ cup water
 * ½ cup soft butter
 * 3 eggs, slightly beaten
 * ½ cup milk
 * ½ cup orange juice
 * 1 cup chopped pecans
 * orange glaze (see below)

Orange glaze

 * 2 tablespoons soft butter
 * 1½ cups sifted confectioners' sugar
 * 1½ teaspoons grated orange peel
 * 2½ tablespoons orange juice

Directions

 * 1) Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together.
 * 2) Combine brown sugar, dates, and water in a large saucepan.
 * 3) Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until dates soften.
 * 4) Remove from heat and stir in butter.
 * 5) Add eggs and mix well.
 * 6) Add dry ingredients to date mixture; stir until blended.
 * 7) Add milk and orange juice gradually, mixing well.
 * 8) Stir in nuts.
 * 9) Bake at 350°F about 30 minutes.
 * 10) Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
 * 11) Spread glaze over top and cut into bars.

Orange glaze

 * 1) Combine butter, confectioners' sugar, grated orange peel, and orange juice.
 * 2) Beat until smooth.