2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
4 c. flour

FILLING:

3 c. chopped dates
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
Pecan halves and additional sugar to garnish (optional)

Cream together sugar and shortening. Add eggs. Dissolve soda in boiling water. Add to all other ingredietns, mixing well. Roll dough out on floured surface and cut with round cookie cutter. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Put 1 teaspoon of filling on top to cover cut a hole in center of dough with a thimble. Place top over bottom and press edges together to seal. Place pecan half in center and sprinkle with sugar. To make filling combine fill ingredients, cook until thick. Bake at 350 degrees until slightly brown.