Recipe(tried): Mama's Cookies (using coconut, nuts, dates and raisins, 1950's)

MAMA'S COOKIES

A favorite recipe of Mary Margaret McBride, New York, New York

5 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground clove
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 3/4 cups soft shortening
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped raisins

Sift flour, measure and sift again with the 1 teaspoon of baking soda, salt and the spices. Cream shortening until soft. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add flour alternately with buttermilk or sour milk in which has been dissolved in the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Add fruit and nut mixture, gradually, mixing well. Drop by teaspoons on well greased baking sheet.

Bake 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Makes 12 dozen cookies.

For 6 dozen cookies, reduce the amount required by one-half. Mix as directed above.

Source: The TIME Reader's Book of Recipes Cookbook, 1951