Almond-Date Granola Bars

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Bars
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 1
 

Ingredients:

---FILLING---
1 1/2 cups chopped dates
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
3/4 cup half and half
1 teaspoon almond extract
---GRANOLA CRUST---
2 cups lightly toasted quick oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted salted butter
1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds
 

Preparation:

Filling: Heat dates, coconut and half and half in saucepan over medium heat. Stir often until mix boils and thickens-- about 15 minutes-- and remove from heat. Stir in almond extract and set aside to cool. Crust: mix together oats, flour, sugar, soda and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Blend well. Pour melted butter over all and stir until well moistened. Press about 3 cups granola mixture into bottom of 8 inch square baking pan and chill 30 minutes to harden. To bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread cooled filling over granola base. Sprinkle remaining granola mixture over filling. Sprinkle toasted almonds over all. Bake 30 minutes or until top is slightly browned and crisp. Cool to room temperature and cut into bars.