1 lb. dates or prunes
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. corn syrup
1/4 c. orange juice
2 tsp. grated or rind
1/4 tsp. salt

DOUGH:

2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. soft butter or shortening
1/2 c. water
2 1/2 c. uncooked oatmeal

Combine dates, sugar, syrup, orange juice and rind and salt; cook until thick. Sift together flour and soda in bowl. Add brown sugar, butter and water; beat until smooth. Fold in rolled oats, spread half of dough over greased 12 x 15 inch baking pan. Cover with date filling.

Roll remaining dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Chill. Remove paper and place dough over the filling. Bake in a moderate oven, 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool, cut into bars.