DATE LAYER BARS

By Clarabell

Ingredients

• DATE FILLING:
• 1/2 c shortening
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1 1/2 c flour
• 1/2 t salt
• 1 t soda
• 1 3/4 c quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1 pound dates, pitted and cut
• 1 c sugar
• 1 c water

Preparation

Step 1

DATE FILLING: Cook 1 pound dates with 1 c sugar and
1 c water to the consistency of jam. Let cool.

Cream shortening and sugar. Add sifted dry ingredients and oatmeal. Mix until crumbly. Firmly pat 1/2 mixture in waxed paper-lined 9 x 13 inch pan. Spread with date filling. Add remaining crumbs and pat smooth. Bake in moderate oven (350degrees) 30 minutes. Cut into bars or squares.