Hermits

1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
3.5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbs nutmeg
1/2 c sour milk to buttermilk
1 c broken walnuts
2 c raisins
1 c dates, cut fine

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Sift dry ingredients, add alternately with milk. Add nuts and fruit. Drop by heaping teaspoons onto greased cooking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cook slightly, lift from pan.