3/4 c. soft shortening (part butter)
1 c. brown sugar (packed)
1 3/4 c. Gold Medal flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. rolled oats

Heat oven to 400 degrees (moderate hot). Mix shortening and sugar. Measure flour by dip-level-pour method or by sifting. Blend flour, soda and salt; stir. Mix in rolled oats. Flatten half of mixture into bottom of greased oblong pan, 13 x 9 1/2 x 2-inches. Spread with cooled Date Filling (below). Top with remaining crumb mixture, patting lightly. Bake 25-30 minutes. While warm, cut into bars and remove from pan. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen 2x1 1/2-inch bars.

DATE FILLING:

Mix 3 cups cut-up dates, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10 minutes). Cool.