Orange Date-Nut Cookies!

This was my new cookie recipe that I tried for the holidays...it was very good and a big hit with my family!
Got this recipe out of an old Southern Living Book that I found at a thrift store!

1 (10 oz.) package of chopped dates
1 t. grated orange rind
1 T. orange juice
1 cup butter; softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 cup chopped, toasted pecans (divided)

Line a 9x5x3 loafpan with foil. Set aside.

In a food processor; add the first 3 ingredients. Process for 45 seconds or until dates are finely chopped. Set aside.

Beat butter at med. speed until blended. Gradually add sugar, beating until blended. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended.

Divide dough into 3 portions. Knead 1/2 cup of pecans into 1 portion of dough; press into prepared pan. Knead date mixture into 1 portion of dough; press in pan over pecan mixture. Knead remaining 1/2 cup pecans into remaining dough portion; press into pan over date mixture.
Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Invert loafpan onto a cutting board, removing foil.
Cut dough lengthwise into 4 sections. Cut each section of dough crosswise into 1/4 inch slices.
Place slices on cookie sheet 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake 350 9-10 minutes. Cool slightly and remove to wire racks to cool completely.