Date squares

Ingredients

Filling

   1 lb pitted dates
   ¾ cup hot water
   ¼ cup white sugar
   1 tsp vanilla
   1 pinch salt    

Base

   1 ½ cups flour
   ½ tsp baking soda
   1 ½ cups rolled oats
   1 ½ cups brown sugar
   1 cup butter

Method

Filling

   Combine dates, sugar, water, salt in pot.
   Heat on medium-low until soft & water absorbed.
   Allow to cool, and then add vanilla.

Base

   Blend flour, baking soda
   Add to oats, brown sugar
   Work in butter until crumbly

Combination

   Spread ½ inch of base in bottom of 9” pan firmly.
   Cover with date filling.
   Pat on other ½ crumbs.
   Bake at 350°F 20-25 minutes.