KLAYCHAH (DATE COOKIES)

Steps:

• In saucepan, combine dates, butter, water, cardamom and cloves.
• Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until dates become a paste.
• Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, in mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well; add shortening and milk. Knead into dough, adding more flour or milk if necessary.
• Divide dough into 4 parts then roll, one at a time, to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Divide date paste into 4 parts and roll each out, between sheets of wax paper, to match dough size.
• Remove wax paper; place date layer on dough. (If date paste is too soft, gently spread each portion on dough with knife.)
• Roll into cylinder, jellyroll style.
• Slice rolls into 1-inch pieces and place on greased baking sheet.
• Bake in preheated 325F oven 35 minutes or until cookies begin to turn golden brown.
• Let cool.