2 1/2 c. dates, cut up
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. broken walnuts (optional)
1 1/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. Food Club quick oats
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 tbsp. water

Combine dates, sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, until like thick jam. Cool. Stir in nuts, if desired.

Meanwhile, stir together flour, salt and soda into mixing bowl; stir in oats and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over oat mixture; mix lightly. Pat about 2/3 of crumb mixture into greased 9x13x2 inch pan.

Spread with date mixture; cover with remaining crumb mixture; pat lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool; cut into bars. Makes about 40 bars.