Canadian Matrimonial Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
Filling
2 cups dates, chopped, pitted
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup boiling water

Preparation

Filling: In saucepan, cook dates, sugar, lemon juice and water over medium heat, stirring often, until the dates are soft, about 15 minutes.
Let cool.
In a bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, sugar, baking soda and salt; blend in butter until mixture is crumbly.
Pat half onto bottom of 9 inch square pan.
Spread filling evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with the remaining flour mixture, patting lightly.
Bake in a 350F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until nicely browned.
Let cool; cut into squares.