MATRIMONY CAKE

1 ½ cups flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 ½ cups coarse oatmeal
1 cup butter or margarine

Date Filling

½ lb. chopped dates
½ cup cold water
2 tbsp brown sugar
grated rind of ½ orange
2 tbsp pure orange juice
1 tsp lemon juice

Bake 325 degrees for 30 – 35 minutes

8 x 8 pan recipe can be doubled for 9 x 13 pan

Blend dry ingredients. Cut in butter. Press half of mixture into cake pan. Save remainder for topping. Cook dates, water, orange rind and sugar in small saucepan, over moderate heat, until thick and smooth. Remove from heat, add fruit juices. Mix well. Cool before spreading over the oatmeal mixture. Top with remaining dry mixture.