Date filled Oatmeal Cookies

This is an old family recipe, much loved by all and oft requested by anyone who has tasted them.

1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening, melted
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup hot water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups regular oatmeal

Mix in bowl in order given, Drop by teaspoon onto lightly greased cookie sheet and press down with a wet glass. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned. Put cookies together with this filling:

1/2 lb dates, cut fine
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
3 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla

Cook in a small saucepan until thick and spreadable.

Yum! factor - 90