1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs, well beaten
4 c. sifted flour, more if needed
1/2 c. warm water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt (optional)

Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs. Dissolve soda in warm water and add to creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla, flour and salt. Drop by teaspoonful on greased cookie sheet, make dent in each. Add 1 teaspoon date filling, top with a teaspoon of cookie dough.

DATE FILLING:

1 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. sugar (optional)
1 c. water
2 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 c. chopped nutmeats

Combine all ingredients except nuts and cook until thick. Add nuts and cool before adding to cookies.