Bars and Squares
Christmas Cookies

• 1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels

Combine dates and boiling water in a small mixing bowl; let cool to room temperature.

Cream shortening in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, beating well. Stir in vanilla and date mixture, mixing well.

Combine flour, cocoa, soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, stirring well. Spread batter evenly in a greased 15x10x1 inch jellyroll pan; sprinkle walnuts and chocolate morsels over top. Bake at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan; cut into 2 inch squares. Store in airtight containers.

Yield: about 3 dozen.

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