Date Squares

• 1 1/2 cups Regular oats -- uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup Shortening
• 2 (8-ounce) packages whole pitted dates
• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or maple extract

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. Add vanilla or maple extract. 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. Makes about 4 dozen date bars.