- 2 1/2 cups dates, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
- 3/4 cup shortening
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- To make Filling: In a saucepan over low heat, combine dates, water, white sugar, and lemon juice. Heat for about 8 minutes, or until thick. Set aside to let cool.
- To make Pastry: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats and salt. Mix until well blended. Add in shortening until mixture forms into coarse crumbs.
- Press half of pastry mix into pan. Cover with date mixture and spread remaining pastry mix over the top.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on wire rack before cutting.