Christmas Fruit Cookies

Mary Elizabeth DeVett

1/2 pound candied mixed fruit

2 1/2 cups flour, sifted

¼ pound candied cherries

1 teaspoon baking soda

2-11 oz brick of dates

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 pound almonds, blanched, slivered

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup butter

1/2 pound pecans, chopped coarsely

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

Cut fruit into small chunks if not already cut up.  Toast almonds till golden, 350f for 8 to 10 minutes.  Sift flour, baking soda, slat, and cinnamon.  Set aside.  Cream butter and sugar.  Beat in eggs.  Add sifted ingredients.  Stir fruit and nuts together mixing well.  Stir into batter with heavy spoon, mixing well.  Drop by teaspoon on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake 10 to 11 minutes at 350f.  Do not overbake.  Cool slightly before removing.