Instructions: In a medium mixing bowl beat the 1/2 cup butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Beat in flour until crumbly. Press mixture into bottom of an 11 x 7 x 1 1/2" baking pan or a 9 x 9 x 2" baking pan. Bake in a 375 oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.

For filling: in a medium saucepan combine dates, granulated sugar and the remaining 1/2 cup butter. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cook and stir for 3 minutes or until thick. Remove from heat. Gradually stir 1/4 cup of the date mixture into beaten egg. Add egg mixture to date mixture in saucepan. Cook until bubbly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in cereal and vanilla.

Spread filling over cooled crust. Cool completely. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting over filling and cut into bars. If desired, decorate some of the bars with candied red and green cherries.

Yield: 24 bars

Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. If necessary, beat in additional milk until the frosting reaches spreading consistency.

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