Instructions: Combine first 5 ingredients; dredge with 1 cup flour, stirring well. Set aside.

Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg yolks, mixing well. Dissolve soda in milk; add to creamed mixture. Add brandy, spices, and remaining 2 1/2 cups flour, mixing well. Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until stiff; fold into batter. Fold in fruit mixture. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325F for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Yield: about 10 dozen.

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