FILLING:

1/2 lb. dates, chopped
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 cup cold water
2 tsp. lemon juice

In small saucepan mix ingredients on low to medium heat and simmer till softened. Set aside.

CRUMBLE:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
1 1/2 cups oatmeal

Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. Put in butter and crumble with fingers, add oatmeal. Mix well, spread 1/2 of mixture on greased 8x10-inch pan. Cover with filling and then cover filling with remaining oatmeal mixture.

Bake at 325°F for 30 to 35 minutes.

Submitted by: Kathy Wright/Eunice Smith