Crisp Date Sugar Cookies

• 2 cups snipped dates
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

In saucepan, combine dates, 1/2 cup sugar, water and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add lemon juice; cool. In mixer bowl, cream shortening, remaining sugar and brown sugar till fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, beating well. Sift together flour, remaining salt and soda; add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Chill at least 1 hour. On lightly floured surface, roll out half the dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness; cut with 2½-inch round cutter. Transfer half the rounds to ungreased cookie sheet. Top each with 2 tsp date mixture. Top with remaining cookie rounds. Press edges together with tip of teaspoon to seal. Bake in 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.

Yield: About 3 dozen