1 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 egg
1 c. sour milk*
6 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. golden raisins
1 c. chopped dates

Frosting:

3 3/4 c. confectioners sugar
1/3 c. orange juice
2 tbsp. butter, melted

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add molasses, egg and milk; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in walnuts, raisins and dates. Chill for 30 minutes. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2-inch cutter. Place on greased baking sheets.

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool completely.

For frosting, beat all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Frost cookies.

(*To sour milk, add 1 tablespoon vinegar to milk and let stand for 5 minutes.)

Yield: 5 to 6 dozen.