Date squares

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
  
       Title: Date Squares
  Categories: Cookies
       Yield: 24 servings
  
   1 1/2 c  Regular oats; uncooked
   1 1/2 c  All-purpose flour
     1/4 ts Baking soda
     1/4 ts Salt
       1 c  Firmly packed brown sugar
     3/4 c  Shortening
       2 pk Whole pitted dates (8-oz)
       1 c  Water
     1/2 c  Sugar
  
   Recipe by: Southern Living
   Preparation Time: 0:30
   Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Cut in
   shortening with pastry blender until mixture resembles
   coarse meal.  Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture for topping.
   Press remaining mixture into an ungreased 13- x 9- x 2-inch
   pan. Chop dates.  Combine dates, water, and sugar in a
   saucepan.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 1
   minute, stirring constantly.  Spread date mixture over
   crumb mixture.  Sprinkle with reserved 1 cup crumb mixture.
    Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  Cool and cut
   into squares.  Yield:  4 dozen.
  
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