1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup chopped walnuts
4 cups flour
1 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup water

Filling:

1 package ground dates or raisins
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon flour

Mix filling ingredients. Cook together and cool. Drop spoonful of dough, make depression and fill with spoonful of filling, then place small amount of dough on top.

Bake 375°F for 15 minutes.