DATE SWIRL COOKIES

1 1/4 c. dates, cut into pieces

1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 c. chopped nuts

COOKIE DOUGH:
1 c. shortening
1 1/2 tsp. orange rind
1/4 tsp. lemon rind
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs, unbeaten
3 1/3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. soda
2 tbsp. milk

Make a date filling as follows: Cook dates, sugar and water until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and nuts.

To make cookie dough: Combine shortening, fruit rinds, salt, brown sugar and eggs; beat thoroughly. Sift flour with soda. Add 1/2 flour first mixture, then milk. Add remaining flour, mixing thoroughly.