DIANA NELSON'S GRANDMA'S DATE COOKIES
(County Fair Winner)
FOR THE FILLING:
1/2 cup dates
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup figs
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided use
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
FOR THE DOUGH:
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons heavy (whipping) cream
2-1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Thin powdered sugar glaze (optional)
TO PREPARE THE FILLING:
Cut dates, raisins and figs into tiny pieces. Pour 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and lemon juice into saucepan; add diced fruits and cook until thick. Cool and set aside.
TO PREPARE THE DOUGH:
Combine shortening, remaining 1 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla until blended. Add heavy cream and mix well.
Beat flour, baking soda and salt into creamed mixture until batter is smooth. Chill dough.
WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Roll the dough and cut into 3-inch rounds or squares. Place on greased cookie sheet.
Place a rounded teaspoonful of date mixture on each dough piece. Fold over like a turnover and seal edges.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
Frost with a thin glaze, if desired.
Source: Marilyn Block, Winona Daily News, Sunday, July 20, 2008 |