2 1/2 c. dates, cut up
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. chopped nuts (opt.)
1 1/4 c. sifted flour
1 tbsp. water
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. oatmeal
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened

Combine dates, sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, until like thick jam. Cool. Stir in nuts. Sift together flour, salt and soda in mixing bowl. Stir in oats and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over oat mixture; mix lightly. Pat about 2/3 of crumb mixture into greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Spread with date mixture; cover with remaining crumb mixture; pat lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars. Makes about 40 bars.