Recipe: Valerie's Mail Carrier Blue Ribbon Cookies (using coconut, oats, dates and nuts)

VALERIE'S MAIL CARRIER BLUE RIBBON COOKIES
(County Fair Winner)

1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
1 cup coconut
1 cup quick oats, uncooked
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve baking soda in 2 tablespoons warm water, set aside.

Combine butter, sugar and eggs; beat until creamy. Beat in soda mixture. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well-combined. Drop by spoonful onto lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Makes 1 loaf
Source: Marilyn Block, Winona Daily News, Sunday, July 20, 2008