My Mother-In-Laws’ Christmas Cookies

2 small containers candied pineapple
2 cups red and green candied cherries
1 pound pitted dates, chopped
2 cups pecans, chopped
1 cup white raisins
1 box light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
3 ½ cups flour
2 eggs
1 cup butter flavor oil

Mix fruit and nuts, set aside.  Sift soda and salt with flour, pour over fruit and nuts, mix well.  Mix eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and buttermilk and pour over above mixture, mix well. Refrigerate overnight in air tight container.  Drop by teaspoonful on cookie sheet about 2” apart.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until done (not real brown).  Dough improves with age.  Store in refrigerator in air tight container.  Don’t know how many this makes, sure it is several dozen.