DATE--NUT FILLING:

1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. pitted dates, cut up
1 c. water

OATMEAL CRUST:

2 1/4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. light brown sugar
2 1/4 c. raw quick oats

Make filling in small saucepan; combine dates and sugar with water. Over medium heat, cook stirring constantly until thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon and nuts. Cool. Preheat oven to 375 degrees; grease 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sift flour with soda and salt. Beat butter and brown sugar in medium bowl with wooden spoon or mixer until light and fluffy. Add flour and oats. Mix with hands. Press 1/2 oat mixture evenly on bottom of pan. Spread with filling, cover with remaining mixture. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Cool slightly, cut in squares while still warm.