DATE, FIG, RAISIN OR PRUNE FILLING:

Cut the desired fruit into small pieces. Put in saucepan. Add:

1 tbsp. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. water

Cook until fairly thick; set aside to cool.

2 c. brown sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1/2 c. warm water

Mix cookie dough in order given. Press half the dough into greased jelly roll pan. Spread filling on top. Press other half of dough on top (I find it works best to roll out remainder of dough and just lay pieces of dough on top of the filling). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool, then cut into bars.