Candy Orange Slice and Date Bars

Filling:
1/2 pound dates, cut fine
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup water
12 candy orange slices, finely cut

Cook dates, sugar, flour, butter and water in a saucepan until thick. Remove from heat and add orange slices. Cool.

Batter:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda, dissolved in 3 tablespoon hot milk
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix together well. Place half of batter in a 10 x 15 x 1-inch jellyroll pan that has been greased and floured. Cover with the filling. Spread remaining batter on top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes. Frost with confectioners' sugar frosting.