This recipe has been in the family for over 50 years. I was beginning to get concerned because my daughter, Amy, had not taken any interest in learning how to prepare the recipe and actually did not even like the cookies. Two years ago, she decided she wanted to make the recipe. The batch she made was the best cookies the family has ever eaten. Amy has also decided that she now likes the cookies. Christmas in the Smith house would not be the same without Date and Nut Cookies.

Date and Nut Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup Crisco (I use the butter Crisco sticks)
3 eggs (beaten)
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
4 cups flour (or a little more)
2 cups dates
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

1. Cook dates, water, and sugar until soft. Add nuts.
2. Mix together other ingredients. Roll out dough into 3 portions.
3. Spread date mixture on top of the dough and roll like a jelly roll.
4. Wrap in wax paper and place in refrigerator until firm.
5. Slice to whatever thickness you desire and bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

~ Marcia Smith

I John 4:7-9

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

Prayer

Loving God, we thank You that You sent Your only Son into the world so that we might live through him. We are grateful that we are able to love others because You first loved us. Often our love finds expression in the giving of gifts, and we are thankful for people like St. Nicholas who have responded to Your love by loving others and giving gifts. We thank You for the gift of food on this table and for those gathered around us with whom we will share it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.