2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 c. oats, quick cooking or reg., uncooked
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 c. shortening

Combine flour, soda and baking powder. Stir in oats and brown sugar. Cut in shortening with 2 knives or pastry blender. Line greased 9 inch square pan with heavy duty foil or baking paper. Grease foil or baking paper.

Pack about half of mixture into pan. Spread Date Filling over this layer; top with remaining flour mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Set pan on cake rack to cool. Cut in squares to serve. Yield: 3 dozen.

DATE FILLING:

1 lb. chopped pitted dates
2 1/2 c. water
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
Juice & grated peel of 1 lemon

Combine first 3 ingredients. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until jam like in consistency. Add lemon and peel and spread on cookies.