This is an excellent Christmas cookie.

Filling
2 1/4 cups chopped dates
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup hot water
1 cup chopped nuts

Combine dates, sugar and water. Cook over low heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Add nuts. Cool.

Cookie Dough
1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Cream shortening. Add brown sugar; cream thoroughly. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift dry ingredients and add. Mix well. Chill dough thoroughly. Divide dough and roll into rectangles no more than 1/4-inch thick. Spread with filling and roll. Wrap each roll in wax paper. Chill. Slice 1/4-inch thick. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Unbaked cookies may be kept in refrigerator for a month. May also be frozen. Bake as needed.

Yields 5 dozen.