2 sticks butter (1 cup)
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
3 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. hot water
1 lb. chopped nuts
3 boxes dates, pitted
1 c. green cherries, dried
1 c. red cherries, dried
pinch of salt
3 c. flour plain, all-purpose

Mix butter, sugar; cream then add eggs and water. Mix cinnamon, cloves and flour; all but 1/2 cup sprinkle over fruit to keep it from all sticking together. Stir fruit into dough mixture.

Bake at 375°F 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly brown around edges. Cool on wire rack. Store tightly in plastic container for up to 3 weeks.