Filling:

• 2 cups Chopped Dates
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Flour
• 1 cup Water
• 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

Batter:

• 1 cup Butter, softened
• 1 cup Firm Brown Sugar
• 2 cups Flour
• 2 cups Rolled Oats
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Baking Soda

1. Combine 'Filling' ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low-med heat, stirring constantly, until mixture turns dark and thickens. Cool thoroughly.
2. In a large bowl, beat Butter and Brown Sugar until light and fluffy. Sift together Flour, Salt and Baking Soda and beat into butter mixture.
3. Stir in Rolled Oats with a wooden spoon and use fingers to mix until batter becomes 'crumbly'.
4. Grease a 9x13" baking pan. Press half of the oats mixture very firmly and evenly into pan.
5. Using a spatula dipped in cold water, spread the cooled date mixture evenly over batter. Dip spatula as often as needed for easier spreading.
6. Sprinkle remaining oats mixture over dates and press down gently.
7. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool 15 minutes in the pan set on a wire rack.
9. Cut into squares and chill thoroughly.
10. Remove from pan and store in an air-tight container.

(Deni)