Date Squares

(Ella Callan//Sylvia Szepesi)

1-1/2 cups flour
1- 3/4 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup shortening
250-300 gms dates
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda. Add the shortening and margarine and mix until it forms large crumbs. Place half of mixture in bottom of pan. Spread date mixture on. Cover dates with remaining oat mixture. Bake at 350 F for 40 minutes.

Date Filling:
Cut up dates into small pieces. Cover with water and bring to oil. Reduce heat and cook until dates are soft. Remove form heat and add 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tbsp butter.

Apple Filling:
2-1/2 cups sliced apples
2 tbsp margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon