DOUGH:

1 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in 1 tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
3 scant c. flour
Walnuts

FILLING:

1 (8 oz.) pkg. dates
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water

Boil filling ingredients and cool down.

Mix shortening, brown sugar and eggs. Add soda with hot water, vanilla and salt. Add flour gradually.

For each cookie put 1 teaspoon dough on sheet and flatten slightly with fingers. Put 1/4 teaspoon filling on this and then another 1/4 teaspoon dough on top of filling. Place 1/2 a walnut on top and press in slightly. Bake at 350 degrees 10 minutes or until light brown. Makes about 5 dozen.

These can be made smaller and sprinkled with powdered sugar while warm, for Christmas cookies.