1 c. soft shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 c. water or buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

FILLING:

2 c. pitted dates or raisins, chopped
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. chopped nuts
2 tsp. lemon juice

Mix shortening, sugar and eggs. Stir in liquid and vanilla. Sift the dry ingredients and add. Cook the dates, sugar and water until thick. Add nuts and lemon juice.

Drop cookie mixture by the teaspoon onto greased baking sheet. Place 1/2 teaspoon filling on each, then top with 1/2 teaspoon dough. Bake 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees.