3/4 c. soft shortening, part butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. quick cooking rolled oats

DATE FILLING:

3 c. cut up dates
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water

In saucepan, cook over low heat stirring constantly until thickened (about 10 minutes). Cool.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix shortening and sugar. Blend flour, soda and salt. Stir in sugar mixture. Mix in oats. Flatten half of mixture into bottom of greased 9x13 pan. Spread with cooled date filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture, patting lightly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. While warm, cut into bars and remove from pan.