1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 c. chopped candied cherries
2 c. chopped dates
3 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. broken pecans

Combine shortening, sugar, eggs and buttermilk, beat well. Stir dry ingredients together. Stir in shortening mixture. Mix in pecans, cherries and dates. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet, spacing about an inch apart. Bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on cake rack and store in tight container. Cookies keep well for several weeks. Yield: 6 to 7 dozen.