Note: From my Grandma Barb. She would almost always have a batch of these either baked and ready when we came to visit, or they were waiting in the refrigerator to bake. Didn't like them much when I was younger, but grew to love them. Now the flavor is very nostalgic. The recipe copied just as written by Grandma with no specified baking temp or time. The recipe was passed down from her mom. My grandma grew up in South Dakota in the early 1900s. Not having the large selection of fruits at the grocery store that we do today, dried dates were one of the bountiful foods at the market. They had many recipes that included dates and molasses, which was also easy to find at that time. When I asked Dad about the story behind this recipe, he said, "You know I never liked those cookies! Her chocolate chip and walnut cookies were always my favorite." I guess Grandma Barb made them so much they grew on us...some of us.
2 C brown sugar
1 C shortening (marg), melted
2 eggs
4 C flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
Second part:
1 pound dates (or use part raisins). About 2 C packed.
1/2 C walnuts, finely chopped
Grind raisins/dates and nuts and add to them 1/2 C sugar and 1/2 C water. Cook slowly until thick, then cool. Beat shortening and brown sugar together. Add eggs and beat again. Add dry ingredients and knead. Divide into two parts. Roll out 1/4 inch thick. Spread evenly with fruit mixture. Roll up like jelly roll and wrap in wax paper. Let stand in refrigerator overnight. Slice and bake.
