1 3/4 c. oatmeal
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. soft butter
1 lb. dates
1/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix oatmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add softened butter and rub together until crumbly. Spread 1/2 of crumbs in a 9 x 11 pan. Cook dates with water and sugar until thickened. Add vanilla. Spread date mixture on crumbs; then top with remaining crumbs and press in gently.

Bake in a 325 to 350°F oven until lightly browned. Suggestion: You may delete the sugar cooked with dates if you wish to lessen the sweetness. Better to bake 2 days before using so crumbs get moist and don't fall off.