6 tbsp. butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
1/4 c. raisins
1/4 lb. chopped dates or additional 1/2 c. raisins
4 tbsp. chopped walnuts
5 packets sugar substitute (optional)

Beat butter, egg and vanilla until fluffy. Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, if using. Beat into egg mixture. Stir in fruit and nuts. Dough will be stiff. Drop batter by the teaspoonful onto a nonstick cookie sheet which has been sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

If a sweeter cookie is desired, sprinkle lightly with sugar substitute immediately after removing cookies from oven.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.