Ingredients - Bars

• 3/4 cup soft shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups oatmeal

Ingredients - Date filling

• 3 cups dates (chopped)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water

Directions - Bars

1. Mix sugar and shortening
2. Blend in flour baking soda and salt
3. Mix in oatmeal
4. Flatten half mix in greased 13"x9" pan
5. Spread with cooled date filling
6. Top with remaining oatmeal mixture; Pat down
7. Bake 25 minutes at 350F

Directions - Date filling

1. Mix ingredients
2. Cook over low heat until thick; cool