Rolled, Date-Filled Cookies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
Date Filling
1 lb dates, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preparation

Make the date filling by heating the ingredients in a saucepan until thick, stirring the entire time to prevent scorching.
Mix the dough ingredients in the order given and divide into two balls. Roll out each ball to 1/2 inch thick. Spread with the date filling and roll up like a jelly roll. Put the rolls in the refrigerator overnight or for at least several hours.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Working with one roll at a time, slice 1/4\" to 1/2\" slices and place on a greased baking sheet.
Bake 12 - 15 minutes until cookies are a light golden brown. Cool on cookie sheets for several minutes, then move to racks to cool completely.