Cranberry Date Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz.) bag fresh cranberries
• 1 (8 oz.) package chopped dates
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 - 3 tablespoons orange juice 

Method

In covered saucepan, over low heat, simmer cranberries, dates and water 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop. 
Stir in vanilla extract, set aside to cool. 
Heat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. 
Stir in melted butter until well blended. 
Pat half of this mixture into a 9"x13" pan. 
Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon cranberry mixture over crust. Sprinkle with remaining flour mixture, pat gently. 
Return to oven and bake 25-30 minutes. 
Combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and enough orange juice to make a thin icing, drizzle over cooled bars.