Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cup mixed candied fruit
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup brandy or dark rum
2 eggs
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ground cloves
Dash of nutmeg
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup unbleached sifted flour
1 cup chopped walnuts

Method:

In a medium-size bowl soak the candied fruit and raisins in the brandy for 24 hours, stirring the mixture several times during that period.

When ready to proceed with the recipe, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Beat the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until they are well combined. Add the melted butter, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, combining well after each addition.

Stir in the brandied fruits and their liquid and the chopped nuts. Mix well. Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are light brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.