FRUIT COOKIES FROM ALASKA

This is the Alaska cookie recipe in my Capitol Cookies book.  This was submitted by a lady in Juneau.

2 pounds dates, chopped
1/2 pound candied pineapple, diced
1 pound or 4 cups pecans, chopped
1 cup butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 pound candied cherries (red and green), chopped
1/2 pound or 2 cups walnuts, chopped
2 to 4 tablespoons rum or brandy OR 2 to 4 tablespoons rum extract
1 cup flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon soda

Dredge fruit and nuts in 1 cup of flour. Cream the butter and brown sugar.  Add eggs and beat until fluffy.  Add 1 1/2 cups flour, sifted together with the soda and cinnamon.  Add vanilla. Combine with fruit mixture.  Bake in slow oven 325 to 350 degrees for 15 minutes.