1/2 c. Crisco
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 c. raisins, optional
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 c. nuts

Cream Crisco and brown sugar. Add eggs. Stir in sour cream and vanilla. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to sugar mixture. Stir in nuts and raisins. Chill dough at least one hour. Drop by teaspoon about 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake about 10 minutes in a 425 degree oven until delicately browned. If desired, cookies may be iced with following ingredients: 1 c. powdered sugar, sifted 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 to 2 tbsp. hot water

Melt butter. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add enough water to make icing spread smoothly. Ice cookies while they're warm. Make more icing as needed.