1 c. soft shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. water, sour milk or buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Cream shortening. Add sugar and blend. Add eggs and beat. Add water and vanilla. Sift flour, salt, soda and cinnamon. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased baking sheet. On this drop 1/2 teaspoon date filling and cover with 1/2 teaspoon dough. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

FILLING:

2 c. cut dates or raisins
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. water
Dash of salt
Rind of 1 orange or 1/2 tsp. lemon peel
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Mix dates, sugar and water in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Add nut meats and lemon or orange and cool. This is very important to cool before using.