Holiday Fruitcake Cookies
["4 c. sifted flour", "1 tsp. baking soda", "1 tsp. salt", "1 c. shortening", "2 c. brown sugar, packed", "2 eggs, beaten", "2/3 c. buttermilk", "1 c. chopped pecans", "1 c. candied cherries, quartered", "2 c. dates, cut up", "1 c. candied fruits", "red or green candied cherries (for top/optional)"]
["Sift together flour, soda and salt (or use self-rising flour). Cream shortening; add sugar and eggs; beat until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk and flour, alternately.", "Then fold in nuts, cherries, dates and candied fruit.", "Chill dough.", "Drop teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet.", "Top each with a cherry half.", "Bake in moderate oven (375\u00b0) 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 8 dozen."]
["flour", "baking soda", "salt", "shortening", "brown sugar", "eggs", "buttermilk", "pecans", "candied cherries", "dates", "candied fruits", "red"]