1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter,softened

In a bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, sugar, baking soda and salt; blend in butter until mixture is crumbly. Pat half onto bottom of 9 inch square pan. Spread filling (see below) evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining flour mixture, patting lightly.

Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until nicely browned. Let cool; cut into squares.

Makes: 36 squares

Variation: Mincemeat Squares; Use 2 cups mincemeat instead of date filling.

FILLING:

2 cup dates, chopped, pitted
1/2 cup sugar, granulated
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup boiling water

In saucepan, cook dates, sugar, lemon juice and water over medium heat, stirring often, until the dates are soft, about 15 minutes. Let cool.