1/2 c. shortening (part butter)
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla thoroughly. Measure flour by dip-level- pour method or by sifting. Blend flour, soda and salt; stir in. Divide into 2 parts. Roll each piece of dough on waxed paper into a rectangle (about 11"x7"). Spread rectangles with Date-Nut Filling (below). Roll up tightly, beginning at wide side. Pinch edge to seal. Wrap rolls in waxed paper and chill several hours. Heat oven to 400 degrees, moderately hot. Cut into 1/4" slices. Place on lightly greased baking sheet; bake about 10 minutes. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

DATE-NUT FILLING:

3/4 lb. pitted dates, cut up
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. water