Georgia Lizzies

Georgia Lizzies

Makes about 108

1 pound red candied cherries, halved
3 ounces green candied cherries, halved
1 pound candied pineapple, cut in pieces
1/2 pound pitted dates, chopped
1/2 pound golden raisins
1 pound pecan pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging fruits and nuts
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 cup peach brandy

In 7-quart mixing bowl, dredge cherries, pineapple, dates, raisins and pecans with 1/4 cup flour. In a separate bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs; mix well. Sift together 2 cups flour and baking soda. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; mix. Add milk and peach brandy; mix well. Add batter to dredged fruits and nuts; mix until fruits and nuts are incorporated. Mixture will be very stiff. This dough is more fruit than batter. Drop dough by tablespoons onto well-greased cookie sheets. Bake in a preheated 275-degree oven 18 to 20 minutes, or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly.

Variation: This recipe makes wonderful mini fruitcakes using the mini muffin cups and baking pans. Use one tablespoon batter in each greased mini cup (a vegetable spray works better than solid shortening); decorate with a cherry half. Bake in a preheated 275-degree oven 18 to 20 minutes.

Tester's notes: A perfect recipe for holiday gift-giving or for mailing. These cookies are more like mini fruitcakes - full of color, with lots of cherries and dried fruits. Doris Bryant, Arnold.

Note: Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch 12/3/90