Cream together shortening and brown sugar, beat in eggs one at a time, add eggs, pumpkin pie filling, and vanilla. Sift together 3 cups flour and baking powder, stir into mixture, mix remaining 1/4 cup flour with dates and stir into batter. Stir in pecans. Drop by teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 16 minutes. Makes 7 1/2 dozen.