Dates are often a baking ingredient that is overlooked, but they make a yummy cookie that kids love and Grandma will adore. The smell of these cookies baking on a cool, crisp day warms the whole house up.

Preheat oven to 375°. Grease two cookie sheets with vegetable shortening, because butter burns easily and will make the cookies dark. Measure the flour and sift into a roomy bowl. Slice the dates and toss them in 2 TB. of the flour and set them aside. Add the salt, baking soda, and PUMPKIN PIE SPICE to the remaining flour and sift again. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and the PURE VANILLA EXTRACT to the sugar mixture and blend until thoroughly mixed. Next, add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and blending thoroughly after each addition. Mix the dates and pecans into the dough by hand. Drop by rounded teaspoonsful onto the greased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be soft and not too brown.

Yield: 4-5 dozen.
Prep. time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes