This recipe for date filled squares is an all time, long time favorite.
Squares
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9 x 9 inch pan with a little butter.
Place the chopped dates into the 1 cup water in a saucepan on the stove top and bring to a boil.
Stir in the sugar and chopped nuts.
Continue cooking until thickened, stirring constantly.
Shut off, set aside and let cool.
In a bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt and stir in the rolled oats.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk (or sour milk). Mix until well combined.
Press half of this mixture into the prepared pan.
Cover with the date filling.
Top with the remaining dough and pat smooth.
Place into the preheated oven and bake 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove from the oven to a cooling rack.
Let cool and cut into squares.
Store in an airtight container.