1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk
3 1/2 c. plain flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. broken pecans
2 c. chopped candied cherries or candied mixed fruit
2 c. chopped dates

Combine shortening, sugar, eggs and buttermilk. Beat well. Sift dry ingredients together. Stir into wet mixture. Mix in pecans, fruits and dates. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake at 300 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on a rack. Store in a tight container. Makes 6 to 7 dozen.