AMBROSIA COOKIES

AMBROSIA COOKIES or as I like to call them.. fruit cake cookies

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup uncooked oats (quick oats work  just fine, whatever you have)

1 cup chopped dates (optional)

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup golden or regular raisins

1 tsp or more grated orange rind.. a MUST

1 cup chopped pecans

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract

small pouch of dried cranberries

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp orange extract

candied cherries about 4 dozen ( NOTE – I prefer a jar of maraschino cherries, then cut them in half with sharp knife)

Cream butter, gradually add sugars.

Beat and add eggs one at a time.

In large bowl combine flour,  tsp baking powder, soda, chopped dates, raisins, orange rind, cranberries, oats, nuts.. stir well.. add to the batter slowly as you stir.. then add in coconut, orange extract, vanilla, almond extract .. mix well.

Drop on greased or lightly sprayed cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Slightly press cherry half onto top middle of each cookie.

then bake 11-13 minutes in 350 degree oven… or till the edges slightly brown ,,, take out and let cool on racks ten minutes. .

then enjoy .. preserve tightly in container.