Date Bars

oven 400*
Date Bar filling (below)

3/4 C. shortening ( part butter or magarine)
1 C. Br. Sugar ( packed )
1 3/4 C. flour
1/2 tsp. soda
1 TSP. salt
1 1/2 C. oatmeal

prepare date filling and cool:
mix shortening and sugar stir in flour, soda, salt, blend. mix in oatmeal, press and flatten half of mixture in a greased pan 13x9 1.2x2" spread cooled filling over top, of mizture. Top with remaining mixture patting lightly.
Bake 25 to 30 mins, till lightly browned. While warm cut bars and remove from pan. makes about 2 1/2 doz.

Date Filling:
mix 3 C. chopped dates,
1/4 C. sugar
! 1/2 C. water
cook on low heat. stirring constantly, until thickened ( about 10 mins. )
cool before using

I have been making these for aboout 40 yrs, My family insists that I make this especially for Christmas, I hope you love these as much as we do