mix shortening and brown sugar

add eggs and buttermilk

add flour

fold nuts, cherries and dates into mix

chill dough min 1 hour, overnight if time allows

once chilled, preheat oven to 350

grease cookie sheet

drop teaspoon sized balls on cookie sheet 1.5 inches apart

bake 10-12 mins

watch first batch to determine cooking time

should be light bron and someehat soft but not wet inside