1 c. soft shortening
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. water
3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix shortening, sugar, eggs; stir in water and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients. Stir into above mixture until well blended. Drop by teaspoonful on baking sheet. Place 1/2 teaspoon filling on dough and cover with another 1/2 teaspoon or less of dough over filling. Bake until light brown (10-12 minutes) at 350 degrees.

FILLING:

2 c. finely cut dates
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. sugar

Cook dates, sugar and water together slowly, stirring constantly until thick. Cool.