Recipe #129: Date Squares #2

1 lb dates
3/4 cup hot water
Salt
1 Tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ cup rolled oats
1 ½ cup brown sugar
½ pound  butter

Combine dates, hot water and salt in a sauce pan. Cook over a medium heat until dates are soft and water is absorbed.

Add vanilla and let cool.

Sift flour and baking soda together. Add oats and brown sugar and mix well. Work in butter with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.

Spread ½ the mixture in the bottom of a 9 inch square pan and pat it down. Cover this with dates filling. Layer the remaining mixture on the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

When cool cut into 1" squares.

From Harrowsmith cookbook #1