• Cooking Time: 15 - 18
• 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

1. Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar and beat unti light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
3. Dissolve soda in water; blend into creamed mixture.
4. Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.
5. Add dates, then blend in nuts.
6. Chill several hours.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
8. Form dough into 6 rolls, 10 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter on light floured surface.
9. Place two rolls on buttered cookie sheet.
10. Flatten to 1/4 inch thickness, leaving finger impressions as a design.
11. Sprinkle with sugar.
12. Bake 15-18 minutes.
13. While hot, make diagonal slices 1 inch apart to form bars.
14. Remove immediately to wire rack to cool.
15. Makes 5-6 dozen.

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.