1 c. dates, chopped
1 c. raisins

Use enough water to cook until soft. Drain juice and save 1/4 cup juice. Let cool. 2 c. brown sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 3 c. flour 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. chopped nuts

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, mixing well. Alternately add cooled mixture and dry ingredients. Add vanilla. Do not over-beat. Bake on cookie sheets with lip at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden. Makes two sheets.

UNCOOKED ICING:

1/3 c. butter, melted
3 tbsp. water
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine butter, water, salt and vanilla. Add enough powdered sugar to make it spreadable. (Color green for Christmas.) Freezes well on cookie sheet.