Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, cream shortening and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add sugars and eggs, mixing well. In a seperate bowl, sift flour, baking soda and salt together.

Add flour mixture to egg and sugar mixture; add vanilla. Mix well. Add candied fruit and nuts.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake at 180ºC or about 10-12 minutes. The cookies will be just browned at the edges.