1 c. butter, melted
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3 c. oatmeal
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream brown sugar, butter; add soda in a little hot water. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Put half dry mixture in pan.

Cook:

1 c. dates, chopped
1 c. sugar
1 c. water

Cook until thick. Cool slightly. Spread on mixture in pan. Add chopped nuts if desired. Spread rest of dry mixture on top. Pat down. Bake about 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes a large pan of bars (9 x 13 inches).