Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Combine flour, soda, and salt. Set aside.

Beat until creamy, shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, then add the dates and nuts. Mix well.

Turn dough onto a large piece of waxed paper. Shape into a rectangle 2-inches in diameter. Refrigerate several hours, overnight, or several weeks.

At baking time, heat oven to 375 degrees. Slice dough 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick. Slice off only what you need.

Return un-sliced dough to refrigerator. Place slices on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.