1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. plain flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
2 (7 1/4 oz.) pkg. pitted chopped dates

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter with sugar. Separate 3 eggs. Beat yolks and add to creamed mixture along with sour cream and vanilla. Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. Add chopped dates. Stir in the flour-date mixture. Mix well. Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into mixture. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.