Date Whirls

Date-Nut Filling

1 1/4 cups chopped dates

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Combine all ingredients in heavy saucepan over low heat.  Cook until dates are soft and filling is thickened.

Cookies

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 recipe date-nut filling

Cream butter thoroughly.  Add sugars gradually and cream until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.  Sift dry ingredients and blend into creamed mixture.  Chill dough thoroughly.  Divide in half, roll each portion into rectangle on floured pastry cloth to a 1/4 inch thickness.  Spread with Date-Nut Filling.  Roll as for jelly roll and chill thoroughly.  Cut into thin slices, place on greased baking sheet, and bake in moderate oven (375 degrees) for 8 to 10 minutes.  Store in a tight container or wrap in foil and freeze.  Makes 4 dozen cookies.