FILLING:

8 oz. pkg. chopped dates
1/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. water
1 oz. (1 square) unsweetened chocolate

BASE:

1 pkg. Pillsbury Plus butter recipe cake mix
1 c. quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 egg
4.5 oz. can Pillsbury decorator icing (opt.)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12"x9" pan. In medium saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water. Cook over medium heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Add chocolate; continue cooking until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; set aside.

In large bowl, combine cake mix, oats and butter at low speed until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup crumbs for topping. Blend egg into remaining crumb mixture; press in prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool.

Spread date mixture over cooled base; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. IF desired, decorate with icing. 36 bars.