1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg, unbeaten
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. buttermilk or 3 1/2 tbsp. milk and 1 tsp. vinegar
3/4 c. coarsely chopped pecans
1 c. cut-up dates
1 c. halved cherries or candied fruit

Mix shortening, sugar and eggs until creamy. Blend in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Stir in nuts, cherries and dates. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour Roll into 1 inch balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Top each with pecan half or cherry. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.