Date nut pinwheels

We are in Florida today. We got all our laundry done and are relaxing before our pickup tomorrow.

As we were driving I saw many dates hanging from the date palm trees. That got us reminiscing about date nut pinwheels that our mothers used to make.

When I was a kid I hated those things. They did not seem at all like a cookie to me. But somewhere along the growing up years I have come to enjoy them. 

Wish I had some now.

Date

Dates hanging on the trees

Date Nut Pinwheels

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

DATE FILLING:

1 package (16 ounces) whole pitted dates

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup water

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Sift together flour and baking soda. In a bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs; blend well. Add the flour mixture and beat until well mixed. Chill for 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.

Meanwhile, for filling, place dates, sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook until dates are tender and most of the water has evaporated. Stir in nuts; cool.

Divide dough into three portions. Between pieces of waxed paper, roll each portion into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread 1/3 of the filling over each. Roll up from one of the long sides. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Dough may be kept in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Slice dough into 1/3-in. cookies.

Place on greased baking sheets and bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 9 dozen.