FILLING:

1 1/2 c. chopped pitted dates
2/3 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. orange juice
1/2 c. water
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. chopped pecans

DOUGH:

1 1/3 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening, soft
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 c. water
1 1/3 c. Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)

For filling, combine all ingredients except nutmeats in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until thick, stirring frequently. Cool. Stir in nutmeats.

For dough, sift together flour, salt and soda into bowl. Add shortening, sugar and water. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in oats.

Spread half of dough into greased 9 inch square baking pan. Spread with filling. Roll out remaining dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper to form a 9 inch square. Remove top sheet of waxed paper. Place dough over filling. Remove other sheet of waxed paper. Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 degrees F) 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Cut into squares. Makes 3 dozen.