Golden Fruit and Nut Bars

3/4 c Dates;pitted

1/2 c Almonds;sliced, toasted if

-you wish 1/4 c Dried apricots;finely

-chopped 1 ts Orange rind;grated

1/4 c Butter

1/3 c Corn syrup

1/3 c Brown sugar;firmly packed

1/2 ts Vanilla

6 c Cornflakes cereal

"You can add sesame and sunflower seeds and coconut to these (to imitate Nature Classics from Confectionately Yours). I found refrigerating them made them easier to cut." Anne`s note: the one`s I`ve tried had dried apricots, sunflower seeds and coconut in them (like an upscale Rice Krispie). Combine dates, almonds, apricots and orange rind, set aside. In large, heavy saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in corn syrup and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a full boil. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Add cereal and fruit-nut mixture, stirring till evenly coated. Press mixture firmly into greased 9 inch square pan. When partially cool, cut into bars. Cool completely. MAKES 16 to 24 BARS (Butter can be melted by microwaving at High 30-60 seconds, stir in syrup and sugar, microwave at High for 2 to 3 minutes or till sugar is dissolved, stirring 3 times. Continue as above.)