1) Combine dates, orange juice, granulated sugar, butter, and 1 tbsp. of flour in a medium sauce pan over medium heat for 10 minutes or until thickened. Stir frequently. Remove from heat and mix in 1 tbsp of vanilla. Set aside to cool.

2) Beat brown sugar, cream cheese, and shortening in a large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until creamy: about 3 minutes. Add eggs and remaining vanilla and beat for two minutes.

3) Combine three remaining flour, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl. Add shortening mixture; stir until well blended. Divide dough in half. Roll one half of the dough in a lightly floured surface into 12 by 9 inch rectangles. Spread half of date mixture over, leaving 1/4 inch border at top of short edge. Starting at short side, tightly roll up dough in a jelly-roll style. Wrap in plastic and freeze for one hour. Do same with other half.

4)Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. Unwrap dough and cut into 1/4 inch slices using dental floss or heavy thread. Place 1 inch apart on Cookie sheet.

5) Bake for twelve minutes, or until lightly browned. Move to wire racks and let cool completely.