Heat oven to 350° F. (moderate). Sift together first three ingredients. Combine egg, sugar, molasses, shortening, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, nuts, and dates. Pour into a 9x9x2-inch pan, lined with waxed paper, greased and lightly floured. Bake 40 minutes or until done. Turn out onto wire cooler; remove paper. When cold, cut into 32 bars. Roll in confectioners’ sugar, if desired. YIELD: 32 bars.
REFRIGERATOR GINGER COOKIES
2½ cups sifted enriched flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup shortening
½ cup GRANDMA’S MOLASSES
½ cup sugar