In a saucepan, combine dates, 1/4 cup sugar, water, brandy, nuts, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl beat butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract and remaining sugar. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Gradually stir into butter mixture. Chill for 30 minutes.

Knead dough lightly for 5 minutes, roll dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4 inch thick rectangle, spread with cooled date mixture, roll up jelly-roll style starting at a long end. Wrap with saran wrap. Chill for at least 4 hours. Remove saran wrap, cut log into 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch slices, place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake at 375º degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack.

Yield: about 4 dozen.