8 oz. dates
1 c. raisins
1 1/4 c. water
1/3 c. vegetable shortening
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. water
2 egg whites
1 tsp. baking powder
2 c. whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1 c. chopped nuts

Combine dates, raisins, 1 1/4 cups water, the shortening and spices. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until mushy. Cool to room temperature.

Dissolve baking soda in 1/4 cup water. Add egg whites, baking powder and flour. Mix well. Add to date mixture. Fold in nuts.

Coat a cookie sheet with vegetable cooking spray. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto sheet and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks.