2 c. cut pitted dates
1 c. hot water
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. melted shortening
1 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sifted all-purpose flour
2 c. rolled oats

Combine dates and 1 tablespoon flour, add water, simmer 10 minutes and add vanilla. Combine sugar with flour, oats, soda, add melted shortening. Stir well. Spread half of the mixture in 8x12x2 inch pan. Cover with date mixture. Spread the rest of the flour mixture over dates mixture. Pat smooth. Bake in 375 degree oven for 20 minutes. Cool in pan and cut in squares.