4 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 c. buttermilk
1 c. chopped pecans
2 c. date nuggets (or chop up dates)
1 lb. glazed fruit (red or green cherries for top

Sift together flour, soda, and salt. Cream shortening; add sugar and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk or sour milk and flour, then fold in nuts, cherries, dates, and candied fruit. Chill dough and drop by teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Top each with a cherry half. Bake in moderate oven (375 degrees) for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 8 dozen.