4 cups sugar

1 ½ cup oil

4 cups pumpkin, canned

3 eggs

1-cup nuts, chopped

1 (8 oz.) pkgs. Dates, chopped

5 cups flour

2-½ teaspoon soda

2-teaspoon cinnamon

1-teaspoon salt

1-teaspoon allspice and cloves

1-teaspoon vanilla extract

In large bowl mix flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. With pastry blender or 2 knives cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk all at once just until dough clings together. Knead on lightly floured surface a few times. Roll out ½ inch thick; cut with 2 ½ inch round cutter. Place about 1 inch apart on cookie sheet and brush with butter. Bake in preheated 450 degrees in oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.

Make about 12

Baking-powder Variation: Prepare as above but omit baking soda; increase baking powder to 3 teaspoons. Use sweet milk instead of buttermilk.