PERSIMMON COOKIES Recipe

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening (butter or margarine work)
1 egg
1 cup persimmon pulp mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
1 cup chopped dates or raisins
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts are good)
1-3/4 to 2 cup flour (depending on how soft you want the cookies)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream shortening and sugar; add egg and mix well. Add persimmon pulp (it will be gelatinous with the soda mixed in) and dry ingredients. Fold together. Add dates and nuts last. Drop onto greased cookie sheet from spoon. Bake at 350 F for about 10 to 12 minutes.