1 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. molasses
1 c. raisins
1/2 c. nuts
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. warm water
1/2 lb. dates
3 eggs
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Cream butter, sugar and molasses. Add unbeaten eggs, then nuts, dates and raisins. Add soda dissolved in 1 teaspoon warm water. Combine flour and spices; sift into mixture to make stiff dough. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes.