2 sticks butter
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. water
8 oz. dates, cut up
3 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
2 tbsp. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time; beat well after each addition.

Combine baking soda and water; blend into creamed mixture. Add dates.

Sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt; add gradually to creamed mixture. Blend in nuts. Chill several hours.

On lightly floured board shape into rolls 10 inches long and 3/4 inches in diameter. Place 2 rolls on each baking sheet; flatten to 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake 15-18 minutes on greased baking sheet. While hot, make diagonal slices 1 1/2 inches apart to form bars. Makes 5-6 dozen.