Date Square

1 lb. dates, chopped

1 C water

½ C white sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. butter (1st amount)

1 ¾ C rolled oats

¾ C butter (2nd amount)

1 C brown sugar

1 ½ C flour

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

Combine the dates & water and cook over a medium heat until the dates are soft. Remove from heat and add the white sugar and 1 tsp. butter, mix and set aside. Combine the rolled oats, butter and brown sugar and mix until crumbly. Add the flour, baking soda and salt and mix well. Place 1/3 of the mixture in a prepared 9″ pan and press down firmly. Spread the dates over the crumbs and cover with the remaining crumbs. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.