FILLING:

1 1/2 c. dates, cut up
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 tsp. grated orange rind (add last)

Combine dates, sugar and water. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Beat smooth. Add rind. Cool.

DOUGH:

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 c. oatmeal
3 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; add oatmeal, then rest of sifted dry ingredients and vanilla. Roll out a quarter of dough at 1/8 inch thickness on a well-floured surface. Cut with 2 1/2-inch round cutter. Spread 1 teaspoon dates on half of each. Flip over dates. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 or 10 minutes.