Date Pinwheel Cookies

Stir together dates, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan; bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat; simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in walnuts and set aside. Beat remaining 1/2 cup sugar, butter, and brown sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, beating until blended. Gradually add remaining salt, flour, and baking soda, beating until blended. Cover and chill 1 hour. Turn dough out onto floured wax paper and roll into an 18x12 rectangle. Spread date mixture evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Roll up dough jellyroll fashion beginning at long side. Wrap in wax paper and chill 1 hour. Cut rolls into 1/4 inch thick slices, place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 for 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 2-3 minutes and remove to wire racks to cool completely.