1 lb. dates, cut up
1 c. water
1 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

COOKIES:

1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. butter (melted)
1 c. chopped nuts

Cook and stir dates, water and sugar over low heat until thickened and smooth. Cool and add vanilla. Set aside.

Stir flour, soda and salt. Add sugar, oats, butter and nuts. Mix until crumbly. Press half the mixture in a 9x13 inch pan. Spread with date filling. Top with rest of crumb mixture. Bake 325 degrees for 35 minutes. Cut into squares.