3/4 c. shortening (butter)
1 c. brown sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. rolled oats (oatmeal)

FILLING:

3 c. cut up dates
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 c. chopped nuts

In saucepan combine filling ingredients. Cook over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Allow to cool.

Cream sugar and shortening. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Add rolled oats. Press 1/2 of mixture into lightly greased 13"x9" pan. Spread with cooled filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture. Bake until lightly browned at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

OPTIONAL FILLINGS:

PRUNE-ORANGE FILLING:

3 c. cut up cooked prunes, drained
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. orange juice
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. grated orange rind

DATE-APRICOT FILLING:

1 c. cut up dates
2 c. mashed, cooked, dried apricots, drained
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. apricot juice