1 c. sugar
3/4 c. softened butter or vegetable shortening
2 eggs
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. chopped dates
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Shredded coconut
Red candied cherries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together sugar and shortening. Stir in eggs, milk, vanilla, nuts and dates. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt stirring just until all ingredients are combined. Form into balls about the size of a walnut. Roll in the shredded coconut. Place on a cookie sheet and flatten each cookie slightly. Top each with a piece of cherry. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen.