Date Oatmeal Bars

2 cups dates
1 cup water
2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal (not the instant envelopes)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup shortening

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1. Cook over low heat the dates and water until thickened.

2. Combine the flour, oatmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar and shortening until well blended.

3. Remove about 1/2 cup and set aside.

4. Pat into a 9 x 13 inch pan.

5. Spread cooked dates over top and sprinkle the 1/2 cup topping over dates.

6. Bake for about 30 minutes or until nicely browned.

7. Cool and cut into bars.