FILLING:

2 c. chopped dates (1 lb.)
2 1/2 c. drained apricots, unsweetened
1 c. sugar
4 tbsp. apricot juice

Blend all ingredients and boil until thickened. Cool slightly.

CRUST:

3/4 c. Crisco
3/4 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla

Blend above ingredients well. 2 tsp. baking soda 4 c. old fashioned oatmeal

Sift flour and soda together; add oatmeal and mix well. Blend Crisco and oatmeal mixes together with hands until crumbly.

Press half of crust mixture into a 9"x13" greased baking dish. Spread filling over crust. Top with remaining crumbly crust mixture, pressing gently into filling to smooth it.

Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until browned slightly. Cut into bars to desired sizes. Serve warm or cooled.