Sift together 4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon cloves. Add 2 cups walnuts, chopped, 2 pounds dates, pitted and chopped. Blend in mixer bowl 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons buttermilk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add dry ingredients to this. Fold in 3 beaten egg whites. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Makes about 12 dozen cookies.