Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                        ***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.