Fruitcake Cookies


1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/4 c. buttermilk
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
1 c. chpd. pecans
1 c. cut-up dates
1 c. candied cherries

Mix well shortening, brown sugar and egg; add buttermilk.
Stir in dry ingredients.
Mix in pecans, dates and candied cherries.
Chill dough for 1 hour.
Drop from teaspoon about 2" apart only lightly-greased baking sheet.
Top each cookie with a pecan half or half a candied cherry.
Bake for 10-12 min. at 400°.
Yield: 4 dozen cookies.