1 c. brown sugar
2 c. flour (plain)
2 1/2 c. oatmeal (quick cooking)
1 c. shortening
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix as for pie crust. Take out 1/2 of mixture and add 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1/2 cup water. Mix and spread out in bottom of pan.

FILLING:

1 lb. dates, cut up
1 c. water
1/2 c. sugar

Cook until thickened. Spread evenly over crust in the pan. Sprinkle remainder of crust mixture on top of filling and bake at 350 degrees until browned. Cut in bars.