1/4 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 c. quick cooking oats

FILLING:

Cook 1 pound dates, pitted and cut with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to the consistency of jam.

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar, add sifted dry ingredients and oatmeal. Mix until crumbly. Firmly pack 1/2 of mixture in waxed paper, lined 9 x 13 inch pan. Spread with date filling. Add remaining crumbs and pat smooth. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for 30 minutes. Cut in bars.