My grandma, Mary Stufflebeam, has made these every Christmas for as long as I can remember.
INGREDIENTS (for 3 servings):
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
PREPARATION:
Cream together shortening, 1 cup white sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla and 1 tablespoon of water.
Sift flour, soda, and saltTWICE and add to sugar mixture. Divide dough into 2 or 3 parts.
Cook dates, 1/2 cup white sugar and 1 cup water over low heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a smooth paste. Let cool.
Roll each section of dough into rectangles 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick.
Spread filling over rectangles and roll up like a jelly roll. Cover and chill dough until firm; 2 - 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Slice dough 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.