1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk or thick sour milk
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix together shortening, sugar and eggs until fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla. Sift together flour, salt, soda and cinnamon. Add to first mixture. Place 1 tablespoon of batter on ungreased baking sheet. Place teaspoonful of filling on dough and cover with additional half tablespoon of dough. Bake 10-12 minutes in moderately hot oven (375-400 degrees).

RAISIN, FIG OR DATE FILLING:

1 1/2 c. raisins, figs or dates
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
2 tbsp. lemon juice

Mix ingredients together in saucepan. Cook slowly, stirring constantly until thickened. Cool about 5 minutes.