Persimmon Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup persimmon pulp
1 egg
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup nuts
1 cup chopped dates
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream together shortening, sugars, persimmon pulp and egg. Sift together remaining dry ingredients and add to cream mixutre. Add nuts, dates and vanilla. Drop from teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Variation 1:
Use 1 cup chopped raisins instead of dates.

Variation 2:
Use a few red candy hearts melted instead of nutmeg.