1 pkg. dates
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. shortening
3 eggs
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda in a little hot water
1 tsp. vanilla

Cook dates, sugar, and water; cool. Cream brown sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat well. Add flour, soda, and vanilla.

Drop by spoonful. Pat down a little. Put a date mixture, then another spoon of batter. Bake at 375 degrees until brown.