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
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Heat oven to 400 degrees, moderately hot.

Mix thoroughly shortening, brown sugar and eggs. Stir in water and vanilla. Sift together and stir in flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.

Drop from teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet. Place 1/2 teaspoon filling on dough, cover with another 1/2 teaspoon dough. Bake until brown, 10 to 12 minutes (cookies stuck, grease pan).

DATE FILLING:

2 c. dates, finely cut up (1 1/4 c. is plenty)
3/4 c. water
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cook together slowly, stirring constantly until thickened. Add nuts. Cool.