Spice Bars

Why I Love This Recipe
A favorite family cookie recipe. These don't last long around our house, and they are a great Christmas cookie recipe because they can be made ahead of time and frozen.
Ingredients You'll Need
1 C. butter (no substitues)
2 C. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp water
1 C. cut-up dates
3 C. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
Dash of salt
1 C. chopped walnuts
2 T. sugar
Directions
Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar and beat unti light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time.
Dissolve soda in water; blend into creamed mixture.
Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.
Add dates, then blend in nuts.
Chill several hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Form dough into 6 rolls, 10 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter on light floured surface.
Place two rolls on buttered cookie sheet.
Flatten to 1/4 inch thickness, leaving finger impressions as a design.
Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake 15-18 minutes.
While hot, make diagonal slices 1 inch apart to form bars.
Remove immediately to wire rack to cool.
Makes 5-6 dozen.