Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. Sift dry ingredients. Stir into creamed mixture. Chill. Divide dough in half.
In saucepan, combine 1 lb. AMPORT chopped dates, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water. Cook and stir until mixture boils and slightly thickens. Cool. Just before using, add 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one part in 12x8 inch rectangle, about 1/4" thick. Spread half of date filling over dough. Roll like jelly roll, repeat with remaining dough. Wrap rolls in waxed paper. Chill several hours. Slice 1/4" thick. Bake on greased cookie sheet, 400 degrees about 8 minutes.
