1/2 c. soft butter
1/3 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tbsp. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. sifted flour
Dash of salt
2/3 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. or more chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar well and add water, vanilla, flour and salt. Mix well. Stir in dates and nuts. Roll into 1 inch balls and place 2 1/2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a slow oven (300 degrees) about 20 minutes until cookies are set but not brown. While warm, roll in confectioners' sugar.

(This is one of several cookie recipes from my great-great aunt Min Schneider. My Mom says Aunt Min used to spend weeks baking cookies getting ready for Christmas and all the kids had their favorites.)