Calypso Bars

• 2 1/2 sq. unsweetened chocolate
• 2/3 c. hot water
• 1 1/3 c. granulated sugar
• 1 1/3 c. chopped dates
• 1 c. butter or margarine
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 c. sifted flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. chopped nuts
• 1 1/2 c. wheat germ (quick cooking rolled oats may be substituted)

Melt chocolate in hot water. Add granulated sugar; stir until dissolved. Add dates. Cook over low heat until thickened – about 5 minutes. Blend in 1/4 c. butter. Add vanilla. Cool. Cream 3/4 c. butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Sift together flour, salt and soda. Add to creamed mixture; blend well. Add nuts and oats. Mix until crumbly. Press half into a greased 13x9x2″ pan. Add date mixture. Top with rest of nut mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut into squares. Serve warm or cold, plain or with ice cream.

Yield: 30 squares