1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 c. oatmeal

DATE FILLING:

Cook 1 lb. dates, pitted and cut, with 1/2 to 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to the consistency of jam. Cool slightly.

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar; add sifted dry ingredients and oatmeal. Mix until crumbly. Firmly pat one half of the mixture in waxed paper lined 9 x 13 inch pan. Spread with date filling. Add remaining crumb mixture and pat smooth. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) 30 minutes. Cut in bars or squares. Makes about 20 bars.