Cream together the sugar and butter. Add the eggs and beat well, than add the vanilla. Sift the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients then the water to the creamed mixture and mix well.Stir in nuts and oatmeal, then chill well.

Filling: In a medium saucepan, stir together the filling ingredients. Cook over medium heat until it combines into a thick mass, about five minutes. Let cool.

Assembly: Roll out the dough to about a quarter-inch thick, then cut into two equal-size pieces. Spread the filling on one piece of dough, then place the second piece of dough on top. Cut into bars. Bake at 350° until pale golden brown, about fifteen minutes.