Sift flour, measure and sift together with baking soda and salt.
Cream shortening, add sugar and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add sour milk alternately with flour mixture.
Combine nuts, dates, and candied fruits in a large bowl; dredge lightly with flour to prevent fruit from sticking to each other. Mix fruit and nuts into the dough.
Chill dough several hours.
Drop by rounded tablespoons and bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 5 dozen cookies.