2 1/2 cups quick oatmeal
1 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup warm water

Combine and pat half of mixture into a 9" x 13" pan. Top with filling.

Filling:

1 pkg. dates -OR- half dates and half raisins, chopped*
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cold water
2 tbsp. lemon juice

Cook until thick. Spread onto the oatmeal mixture. Top with remaining oatmeal mix.

Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes or until brown. Cut into squares.

Note: To chop dates and raisins, a food processor may be used.

Submitted by: Wilma Beekman