PUMPKIN HERMITS

"These soft, spicy cookies are chock full of fruit and nuts."

3/4 cup butter
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon each baking soda and salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice,
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped raisins
3/4 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In large mixing bowl, with electric mixer, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in pumpkin. Set aside

In separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Stir flour mixture into creamed mixture. Stir in dates, raisins and nuts.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.

Bake in 375 degrees F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes on baking sheet, then remove to rack to cool completely. Store in airtight container; can be frozen.

Makes about 4 dozen cookie
Source: Homemaker's Magazine, November 1999