Date Surprises

• 1 (8-ounce) package chopped dates
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups regular oats, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cook over low heat 30 minutes or until thickened. Set aside to cool.
2. Cream shortening in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Dissolve soda in buttermilk, and add to creamed mixture, stirring well. Combine flour, oats, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, stirring well. Chill 2 hours.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls; place half of balls 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Press each ball into a 2 1/2-inch circle. Spoon 1 teaspoon reserved date mixture onto circle. Shape remaining balls into 2 1/2- inch circles, and place on top of date mixture; pinch edges together to seal. Bake at 325u0b0 for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly, and remove to wire racks.

dates, sugar, lemon juice, water, shortening, brown sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, flour, regular oats, salt

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/date-surprises (may not work)