Chewy Fruit Cookies

Chewy Fruit Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup halved candied cherries
1 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup chopped pecans
36 pecan halves

In a large bowl, cream the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and buttermilk. Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the cherries, dates, and chopped pecans. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Top each with a pecan half. Bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Makes 3 dozen cookies