persimmon cookies

1 cup peeled and chopped Fuyu persimmons 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup sugar 2/3 stick of butter 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp clove 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp powdered vanilla 3/4 cup chopped dates 3/4 cup candied almonds Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or grease lightly. Use a fork to mash the chopped persimmons, achieving a pulpy consistency. Stir baking soda into the persimmons and set aside. Blend sugar and shortening. Sift dry ingredients together and add to sugar mixture. Beat on low speed to mix. Blend in persimmon mixture. Stir in dates and nuts. Drop by teaspoonful on prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. I made an orange cream cheese frosting