Sweet Date Bars

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray; set aside. Cream together shortening and brown sugar. Stir in oatmeal, flour and baking soda; mix into a fine crumb texture. Place half of the mixture in pan, pressing firmly. In a saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water. Cook, stirring, until the consistency of jam. Spread on crumb mixture in the pan. Cover with remaining crumb mixture and press lightly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.