A fruit cookie that gets better with age.

Christmas Lizzies

1/2 cup bourbon

3 cups raisins

3 cups candied cherries

2 cups dried citron or lemon peel

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

4 cups pecan halves

1. Soak fruits in bourbon at least 1 hour to plump.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
3. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Set aside.
4. In large bowl with electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and eggs. Add flour mixture, stirring to combine, then add fruit and nuts and stir until just mixed .
5. Drop spoonful onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake on top shelf of oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning baking sheet around halfway through to ensure even browning.
7. Transfer to wire racks for cooling.
8. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 6 dozen.