Date Nut Bars

2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped dates
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
4 large eggs -- lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter -- melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, dates and nuts. Stir to combine thoroughly. Add eggs, butter and vanilla; stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened (batter will be stiff). Spread in a greased 15-inch X 10-inch X 1-inch baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool bars on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar. Makes approximately 5 dozen. Freezes well in an airtight container.