Great-Grammie Boone's Date Squares

My mum's family has always been known for being great cooks - especially bakers - and this recipe proves it! Baking wise, it really doesn't use a lot of anything, so it's not too pricey, although it's also not too healthy. (At least not physically. I think it's very emotionally and mentally healthy!)

CRUST & TOPPING
1 c. brown sugar
1 3/4 c. quick oats
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. melted butter

1. Mix all together really well and press half into a lightly greased 9 by 13 pan. (You may need to use a little more than half. The crust is the best part, so if you taste the uncooked thing and decide you want LOTS of topping, just add another 1/2 of everything.)

FILLING
1 1/2 c. chopped dates (this is done easiest by just snipping the dates with scissors if you haven't bought them chopped already, but DO buy them pitted! It's so much easier!)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. hot water from the tap

1. Put all ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook until nice and thick, stirring occasionally. This will take a few minutes, and it may still look a little watery, but it'll be good.
2. Pour over crust. Crumble the rest of the crust mixture on top of it.
3. Sprinkly with a bit of water. (This isn't really necessary. I forgot to do it last night. My mum and I can't figure out why Grammie did it.)
4. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Let cool some before cutting.

My husband and I think they would taste great with vanilla ice cream while they're still a little warm!