Date Filling (below)
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar (packed)
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. quick-cooking oats

Prepare Date Filling; cool. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches. Cream butter, shortening and sugar. Mix in remaining ingredients. Press half the mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Spread with filling. Top with remaining crumble mixture, pressing lightly. Bake 25-30 minutes or until light brown. While warm, cut into bars, about 2 x 1 1/2 inches. 3 dozen cookies.

If using self-rising flour, omit salt and soda. If using quick mixing flour, stir in 3 to 4 teaspoons milk.

DATE FILLING:

Mix 3 cups cut up dates (1 pound), 1/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes or until thickened.

Variation: Jam Bars: Omit Date Filling and substitute 1 cup of your favorite jam.