Spicy Fruit Cocktail Cookies

December means that it is time to make cookies. Mom's recipe box has many cookie recipes. While I do not remember this cookie from childhood, I definitely remember having fruit cocktail often. All the fruits in fruit cocktail--pears, pineapple, grapes, peaches, and cherries--are delicious. The best fruit is always the cherry.

The spices in the name of these cookies are cinnamon and cloves, giving the cookies a very wintry flavor. I made these for Thanksgiving, but the cookies lost attention to the various pies and whipped creams. Nevertheless, these cookies are a tasty treat that are worth giving a try.

Spicy Fruit Cocktail Cookies 

•  3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. cloves
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. rum flavoring
• 1 cup fruit cocktail, thoroughly drained
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1 tsp. grated orange rind

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices together. Cream sugar and butter until light. Add eggs and flavoring; mix well. Stir in sifted dry ingredients. Blend in fruit cocktail, nuts, coconut, and orange rind. Drop by spoonfuls onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until done. Enjoy!