Classic Date Bars

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8x8 inch baking pan. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add dates and simmer until softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature and stir in vanilla. Combine flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon and baking soda in a large bowl. Add butter and rub with your fingertips until clumps form. Press half of oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the date mixture over and sprinkle remaining oat mixture over top. Press gently to adhere. Bake about 40 minutes until edges are browned and center is set. Cool in pan on a rack. Cut into bars.