These cookies are great. Keep a roll in the freezer to bake whenever your children whine for home-baked cookies, or for unexpected guests.

2 c. brown sugar
1 c. shortening
4 c. sifted flour with 1 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda in 2 tbsp. hot water

Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs and blend. Add baking soda that has been dissolved in hot water. Add flour, a cup at a time. Chill (will roll out easier if chilled).

FILLING:

1 lb. dates, ground
1/2 - 1 c. nuts, ground with dates
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. hot water

Mix. Cook until thick and smooth (about 8-10 minutes). Cool before using.

Between 2 sheets of waxed paper, roll out 1/4 dough in rectangle to 1/4 inch thick. Spread with 1/4 of filling. Roll as for jelly roll. Wrap and freeze. Repeat with each 1/4 dough and filling. Slice rolls into 1/4 inch thick cookies and bake as wanted in 350 degree oven 8-10 minutes on greased cookie sheet. Will keep in the freezer, unbaked, for a long time.