Shaped 
Christmas Cookies

• 1 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup cup chopped dates
• 1 (4 ounce) package sweet baking chocolate

Cream shortening in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat well. Stir in vanilla.

Sift together flour, soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl; stir in pecans to coat well. Add to creamed mixture, blending well; stir in dates. Break chocolate into raisin-size pieces, and add to mixture, stirring well. Chill 8 hours or overnight.

Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Gently flatten balls with a fork dipped in flour. Bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets immediately, and cool completely on wire racks. Store in airtight containers.

Yield: about 7 dozen.

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