• Cookies:
• 1 C. shortening
• 1 3/4 C. brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 C. chopped nuts
• 1 C. cut up dates
• 5 Tbs. sour cream
• 4 C. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. cloves
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• Frosting:
• 1 3/4 C. powdered sugar
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 3 Tbs. strong coffee, cold
• 3 Tbs. butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla

In a bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar. Add eggs, chopped nuts, cut up dates, and sour cream. Beat for 3 minutes and then add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla. Shape into loaf on wax paper. Make loaf 3 inches wide. Chill for several hours.  Slice and bake until light and soft on ungreased pan. Bake 8 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool on cooling rack.For frosting, mix powdered sugar, salt, coffee, butter and vanilla. Allow frosting to dry before storing in containers. Let cool/set and then frost cookies.