2 c sugar
3 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
1 1/3 c milk
2/3 c shortening
5 c flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp bakewell cream
1 tsp salt

Filling:

1/2 lb. raisins or dates
1 c sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp lemon
pinch of salt

Blend sugar and shortening together. Add eggs, mix well, then add milk. Sift in dry ingredients and mix well. Put enough flour to make dough so you can handle it. Take dough out on floured surface and knead until dough can be rolled out. Cut out cookies and place 1 tbsp of filling on one cookie, then place another cookie on top of filling and crimp around edges.

Filling: Cover raisins or dates with water and simmer for 1/2 hour. Add sugar and bring to boil. Boil for 20 minutes. Mix corn starch in a little warm water and stir into raisin/date mixture. (Do not let the mixture burn.) After mixture thickens, set it off, and add vanilla, lemon and salt. Stir thou roughly and let cool.