1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. brown sugar

Sift flour; measure. Place all ingredients in mixing bowl together. Blend shortening into ingredients. Place about the quantity in a greased 8 inch pan. Pat down firmly. Add date filling. Sprinkle the other half of mixture on top. Pat lightly. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) until light brown (about 20 minutes). When cold, cut into squares. Makes 12 (2 inch) squares.

DATE FILLING:

1/2 lb. pitted dates
1/2 c. water
1 tbsp. vanilla
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tbsp. butter

Place all ingredients in boiler; cook until soft. Add vanilla and butter.