Cut 1 1/2 cup dates and cook in 3/4 cup water to consistency of marmalade. Remove from heat; add 3 tablespoon orange or lemon juice. Cool.

1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream shortening and brown sugar. Add flour, soda, and salt to shortening and sugar, working to crumbly mixture. Add 1 3/4 cups oatmeal (quick cooking). Mix thoroughly. Place 1/2 of flour/oatmeal mixture in greased 9 x 13 pan, patting into place.

Spread with date filling. Add remaining crumbly mix, patting down. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. While warm, cut into bars and remove from pan (or leave in covered pan).