1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 c. soured milk, buttermilk, or water
3 1/2 c. Gold Medal flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. broken pecans
2 c. candied cherries, halved
2 c. cut-up dates

Mix shortening, sugar, and eggs well. Stir in soured milk. Measure flour by dipping method or by sifting. Blend dry ingredients; stir in. Stir in pecans, cherries, and dates. Chill at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 400 degrees, moderately hot. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Place a pecan half on each cookie, if desired. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly. Makes about 8 dozen cookies.

NOTE: If you use Gold Medal self-rising flour, omit soda and salt.