Filled Molasses Cookies

--COOKIES

-- 3/4 c Brown Sugar

3/4 c Shortening

1/2 c Molasses

1/3 c Hot Water

2 t Baking Soda

2 t Vanilla

1 t Salt

4 c Pastry Flour

--FILLING

-- 1/2 c Water

1 c Sugar

1 pk Dates

1 t Lemon Extract

: Cream sugar and shortening, add molasses and vanilla. Dissolve soda in hot water and add alternately with flour and salt. Roll thin. Cut with cookie cutter and spread filling on one cookie and put another cookie on top and press edges to-gether. Bake in a moderate oven (350 - 375). Filling: Cook until thick and cool. Note: Can be Frozen.