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

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Dissolve soda in warm water and add to cream mixture. Stir in vanilla. Sift in salt and flour. Drop the dough by teaspoonful onto a greased cookie sheet. Make a dent in top on center and fill with teaspoon full of filling. Top with teaspoon of dough. It does not have to cover completely.

FILLING FOR COOKIES:

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

Combine all ingredients and cook stirring constantly until well thickened. Cool and fill cookies.