FRUIT CAKE COOKIES

FRUIT CAKE COOKIES 1 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup butter 1 egg 2 3/4 cups flour, sifted 3/4 tsp salt 3/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 cup pecans, chopped 1 cup candied cherries 1 1/2 cups dates and/or figs, chopped 1/2 cup candied pineapple 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped Cream butter and sugar until light. Add egg and beat until well blended. Reserving a little of the flour to toss with the fruit, combine remaining flour with the salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk. Toss fruit with the reserved flour. Fold in the floured fruit and chopped pecans. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheets, leaving 1 1/2 to 2 inches between cookies. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-13 minutes, depending on size of cookies Let sit on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes before removing to rack to cool completely Makes from 3-5 dozen fruit cake cookies. Store in an airtight container.