Spiced date drops

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
  
       Title: Spiced Date Drops
  Categories: Cookies
       Yield: 72 servings
  
   2 1/2 c  All-purpose flour
     3/4 ts Baking soda
     1/2 ts Salt
       1 ts Ground cinnamon
     1/2 ts Ground cloves
       1 c  Margarine; softened
       1 c  Sugar
       3    Large eggs
       1 ts Vanilla extract
       8 oz Dates; pitted, chopped
       1 c  Black walnuts; chopped
  
   Recipe by: Jo Anne Merrill
   Preparation Time: 1:45
        1. Coarsely chop date and walnuts.
        2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves;
   set aside.
        3. Place softened margarine or butter into large mixer bowl. Add
   sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy using medium speed.
   Stir in flour mixture with a wooden spoon until well combined. Stir in
   dates and walnuts. Dough will be very stiff.
        4. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour or more.
        5. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto lightly greased
   cookie sheets. Bake in preheated 400-degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until
   lightly browned. Do not overcook.
        6. Remove to wire rack and cool completely before storing.
   
   Yield: About 72 cookies.
  
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