Christmas Fruit Drop Cookies

These are just about my all-time favorite cookies. They have a smooth, buttery taste, remain soft and chewy, and any fruit or nuts added make them even better.

Recipe:

1 cup margarine (2 sticks) I prefer Fleischman's corn oil margarine.

2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

3 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

1/3 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

2 cups candied cherries, chopped

2 cups chopped dates

Mixing instructions:

Cream margarine and brown sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Add sifted flour, salt, and soda, alternately with buttermilk. Add nuts, cherries, and dates. Chill at least 1 hour. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheet. If desired, place 1/2 pecan or half cherry on top of each cookie. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. When well cooled, store in airtight container.