Sift together:

4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Cream:

1 c. butter

Gradually add:

1 c. white sugar
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar

Blend in:

3 unbeaten eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond

Add the dry ingredients; mix well. Chill dough about 2 hours.

Meanwhile, prepare filling as follows:

Combine in saucepan:

1 c. water
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. cut dates
2 tsp. grated orange rind

Cook until thick. Cool.

Add:

1/2 c. chopped candied cherries
1/2 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chopped nuts

Using toothed plate, press dough through press in strips across an ungreased cookie sheet. Spread filling over strip. Press second strip over filling. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Cool and cut into 1 inch pieces. Makes 6 1/2 dozen.