Christmas Jewels recipe

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound pitted dates, chopped
2 cups candied red and green cherries, cut into sixths
2 slices each red and green candied pineapple, chopped
1 cup white raisins
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup butter-flavored oil
1 (16 ounce) box light brown sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Brandy flavoring

Sift flour, baking soda and salt together into a large bowl. Mix with fruits and pecans, coating completely.

Mix oil, brown sugar and eggs in bowl. Stir in buttermilk and flavorings; mix well. Add floured fruits and pecans, blending well. Place in refrigerator container. Refrigerate overnight.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonsful onto lightly greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Decorate each cook with a pecan half.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Dough may be refrigerated up to 1 week.

The flavor of these cookies improves with age.

Yields 10 dozen.