1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1/2 c. warm water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. sifted flour

Cream the shortening and sugar. Add the eggs and beat well. Dissolve soda in warm water and add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the vanilla. Sift in the flour and beat well. Drop by the teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet, making a dent or hollow in the center of each. Place a teaspoon of the filling on each. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.

FILLING:

1 c. chopped dates or raisins
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. water
2 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Mix together and cook until thickened.