1 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. rolled oats

Blend together butter and sugar. Cream until light and fluffy. Mix remaining ingredients together and combine with butter-sugar mixture. Put a little more than half of the mixture in a 13x9-inch pan. Press firmly into place.

Filling:

1/2 c. chopped pitted dates
12 oz. pkg. dried apricots (about 2 c. cooked pulp)
3/4 c. packed brown sugar

Cook dates, apricot pulp and sugar together until thick. Spread fruit mixture over dough. Add remainder of crumbs over top and press down lightly.

Bake in moderate oven (350°F) for 30 minutes. Cut into squares when cool.

Yields 24 squares.