2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 1/2 c. + 2 tbsp. oatmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/8 c. butter or 2 1/2 sticks
2 1/2 c. dates
2 1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. + 2 tbsp. white sugar
1 c. chopped nuts
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix dates, white sugar and water. Boil 15 minutes or until thick. Stir frequently. Add nuts and vanilla. Cool. Combine dry ingredients with butter. Spread 1/2 mixture in 9"x13"x2" pan, pat down. Spread date filling on top. Put remaining mixture on top. Bake 30 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven. Cool in pan on wire rack, cut into squares.