Date Nut Cookies

Filling

2 1/4 cups chopped dates

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Dough

1 cup shortening

2 cups brown sugar

3 eggs, beaten

4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Date filling: Mix dates, sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook over slow heat for 10 minutes. Let cool, about 20 minutes.

Dough: Cream shortening, brown sugar and eggs. Add flour, salt and baking soda. Divide dough into 2 parts and roll each until 1/4-inch thick. Spread with date mixture and roll up like a jelly roll. Refrigerate until chilled, usually overnight. Slice 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

Makes 3 1/2 to 4 dozen.