Date Squares

These squares are my dad's favourite.

1 ½ c flour
1 c soft butter or Crisco
½ tsp soda
1 c brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ c coarse oatmeal

Sift together flour, soda, baking powder and salt.
Rub in butter
Add sugar and oatmeal
Mix well
Sprinkle half the mixture in a greased 9x13x2 pan, spread evenly and pat to smooth.
Cover with cooled date filling spreading smooth.
Cover with remaining crumbs.
Pat to smooth.

Bake 350 for 30-35 minutes. Cut into squares while hot. Allow to cool in pan.

Date filling:

1 ½ c chopped dates
2/3 c cold water
2 tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla

Cook dates, water, salt and sugar in saucepan until thick and smooth.
Stir in vanilla
Cool.