1/2

cups soft shortening

1

egg

1 1/4

cups packed brown sugar

Mix together thoroughly.

2

tablespoons hot water

1/4

teaspoon baking soda

Dissolve baking soda in the hot water and stir in the shortening, brown sugar and egg.

1 3/4

cups flour

1/2

teaspoon ground cloves

1/2

teaspoon salt

1/2

teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2

teaspoon ginger

1/2

teaspoon baking powder

1/2

teaspoon cinnamon

Sift the flour, salt ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and baking powder together and then stir in the baking soda, water, shortening, brown sugar and egg mixture.

1/3

cup cut up dates

1/3

cup chopped pecans

Stir in the dates and pecans into the rest of the mixture. Roll in small balls the size of a walnut. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Place a pecan half on the top of each cookie. Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.