Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs. Beat thoroughly. Add water, flavoring, and lemon rind. Sift flour, measure, and sift with baking soda and salt. Add nuts and dates. Gradually add to first mixture. Stir until well blended. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto well-oiled baking sheet. Bake in moderate oven (375 F) about 10 minutes. 36 servings. The Household Searchlight