What is Christmas without the little extras like nuts, spice and fruit. I am enclosing this recipe to share a little joy with you.

" INGREDIENTS

* 1 cup shortening
* 2 cups packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup sour milk
* 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cream together the shortening and the sugar. Add the eggs and beat for 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla, salt, sour milk, flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and cinnamon. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Drop cookies 3 inches apart on a baking sheet.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 minutes. Chopped dates can be added for extra flavor."