Apricot - Date Bars

1 cup dates, pitted and chopped

1 ¾ cups drained stewed apricots

½ cup white sugar

2 tablespoons apricot nectar

¾ cup shortening, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Make Filling: Cook together the dates, drained cooked apricots, white sugar and apricot juice. Cook for about three minutes, or until it resembles jam.

To Make Crust: Mix together melted shortening (part butter), brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, quick cooking oats, and vanilla.

Press half of the crust mixture on bottom of well greased 9 x 12 x 2 inch pan. Cover with filling. Top with rest of crumbs. Press down gently.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).