1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk
3 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped pecans
2 c. candied cherries, cut in fourths
2 c. cut up dates

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar and eggs. Stir in milk. Sift togethr dry ingredients, add to first mixture. Stir in pecans, cherries and dates. Chill. heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet. Drop teaspoons of dough on sheet, about 6 inches apart. Top each cookie with a pecan half if desired. Bake about 10 minutes. Yield: 4 dozen cookies. (If using self rising flour, omit salt.)