Faun Chidester's Date Bars

Filling: Cook until thickened:
1 C ground or chopped dates (raisins may be substituted). Sprinkle sugar from filling recipe over dates to keep them from sticking together.
1 C chopped walnuts
1/2 C water
1/2 C sugar
1 Tbs lemon juice

Crust:
1 C brown sugar
1 C shortening
2 eggs, beaten
2 C oat meal
1 Tbs vanilla
2 C flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt

Mix together. Divide in half. Pat half of dough into an 8" square pan. Pour the date mixture over dough in pan. Pat out remainder of dough into an 8" square. Place on date mixture. Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool. Cut into squares. Serve.