1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 c. quick cooking oats, uncooked

Cream shortening and sugar. Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture. Add oats and mix until crumbly. Firmly pat 1/2 of the mix in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Spread on date filling. Add remaining crumb mix and pat smooth. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees Makes 20 squares.

DATE FILLING:

Cook 1 pound dates, pitted and cut with 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Cook to consistency of jam.

NOTE: Cherry or blueberry pie filling may be used instead of date. Then you crumble on the topping, not pat it.