Orange Date Pumpkin Bars

2 eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon and nutmeg
1/2 cup each chopped dates and nuts

In large bowl, with electric mixer, beat together eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla. Beat in pumpkin and orange rind. In separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Stir into creamed mixture. Stir in dates and nuts. Spread batter in greased and floured 9-inch (23 cm) square or 11- x 7-inch cake pan.

Bake in 350ºFoven (or 325ºF oven if using glass or dark non-stick pan) for 25 to 30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Let cool and cut into small bars. Store in airtight container; can be frozen.