2 1/2 sq. unsweetened chocolate
2/3 c. hot water
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 c. (1 pkg.) chopped dates
1 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped nuts
1 1/2 c. quick cooking oats

Melt chocolate in hot water over low heat. Add granulated sugar; stir until dissolved. Add dates. Cook over low heat 5 minutes. Blend in 1/4 cup butter. Add vanilla. Cool.

Cream 3/4 cup butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Sift together flour, salt and soda. Add to creamed mixture; blend well. Add nuts and oats. Mix until crumbly. Press 1/2 onto bottom of greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Add date mixture. Top with remainder of nut mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm or cool. Makes 30 squares.