California Hermits

1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup sour milk or buttermilk
1 cup broken California walnuts
1 cup California dates, cut up
2 cups California seedless raisins

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and beat well.  Sift dry ingredients together;
  add to creamed mixture alternatley with sour milk.  Add nuts and fruits; drop by heaping 
teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake in 375° oven 10 to 12 minutes.  Cool slightly 
before removing from pan.  Makes about 6 dozen.