Cream shortening and sugar; beat in eggs and add vanilla. Dissolve soda in buttermilk. Combine 1 c. Flour and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and bourbon. Beat well after each addition. Coat fruit with 1/2 c. Flour; stir fruit and nuts into batter. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets and bake at 350 deg. For 10-15 min. Makes 6 doz. Cookies. From Southern Living - Dec. 1976