FILLING
1/2 lb. dates
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. orange zest (optional)
OAT LAYERS
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
2 c. rolled oats
FILLING
Boil all filling ingredients together until dates are soft enough to be mashed with a fork, adding sufficient water to prevent scorching. Th emixture should be of a jam like consistency. Let cool.
OAT LAYERS
Sift flour, soda and salt. Rub or cut in butter. Add sugar & rolled oats. Mix well & spread 1/2" crumbs into 8" square greased pan, pat smooth. Cover evenly with cooled date filling, cover with remaining crumbs. Bake at 325F for 30-40 min till golden brown. Let cool, cut into squares.