Date Sandwich Cake
["1 3/4 c. oatmeal", "1 1/2 c. flour", "1 c. brown sugar", "1 tsp. baking soda", "1 tsp. salt", "3/4 c. soft butter", "1 lb. dates", "1/4 c. brown sugar", "3/4 c. water", "1 tsp. vanilla"]
["Mix oatmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.", "Add softened butter and rub together until crumbly.", "Spread 1/2 of crumbs in a 9 x 11 pan.", "Cook dates with water and sugar until thickened.", "Add vanilla.", "Spread date mixture on crumbs; then top with remaining crumbs and press in gently. Bake in a 325 to 350\u00b0 oven until lightly browned.", "Suggestion:", "You may delete the sugar cooked with dates if you wish to lessen the sweetness.", "Better to bake 2 days before using so crumbs get moist and don't fall off."]
["oatmeal", "flour", "brown sugar", "baking soda", "salt", "butter", "dates", "brown sugar", "water", "vanilla"]