grandma evelyn's xmas hermits

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup jarred maraschino cherries, chopped
• 1/3 walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 2 1/4-2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, cream the shortening, adding the sugar gradually. Add the eggs, fruit and nuts. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water; then add this mixture to the shortening mixture.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, allspice, cinnamon and salt. Add the flour mixture to the main bowl and stir.

Drop the batter in rounded teaspoons, about one inch apart, on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the cookie sheet and place on a wire rack to cool. Serve and enjoy!