Copycat Grandma's Oatmeal Raisin Bars

"I couldn't find the old recipe and these aren't quite as crumbly, nor is the filling as thick as I remembered (maybe double the raisins?), but they are close and Gretyl & Rob love them!" ~Esther

Bottom and Top Layer
2 c. oatmeal
2 c. flour
1 t. salt
1 t. soda
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. shortening melted
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
 Filling
1 c. chopped raisins
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. sugar

Boil together filling. In a seperate bowl combine brown sugar, shortening, egg, and vanilla, then add oatmeal, flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix into a dough, divide into two equal parts, press half into 9 x 13 pan, put filling in the middle an then cover with second half. Bake at 350 degrees until brown approximately 20 minutes.