CHRISTMAS JEWEL COOKIES

Steps:

• Set butter aside in a large bowl to soften.
• In another bowl mix together flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.
• Set aside enough cherry halves so that there is enough to top each cookie with one.
• Add remaining fruit and walnuts to a third bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the flour mixture to the fruit and stir until it is coated with flour and mixed well. (This helps separate the fruit and keep it from sticking together.).
• After butter has softened, beat butter, sugar and eggs until creamy. Mix in buttermilk and vanilla.
• Add half of flour mixture and mix well. Add remaining flour and mix.
• Note: At this point, make sure everything is mixed well because the mixture will be very stiff and hard to stir after adding the fruit.
• Stir in half of the fruit mixture into the cookie dough. Add remaining fruit and mix.
• Refrigerate dough for an hour or more (may be refrigerated overnight).
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls on non-stick or lightly greased cookie sheet. Top each cookie with one reserved cherry half.
• Bake 12-15 minutes, until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly with finger.
• Remove and cool.