1 box 15 oz. raisins
1 1/2 c. water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour (add more if needed)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. chopped walnuts (walnuts or pecans)

Combine raisins and water, boil 5 minutes, cool, then add baking soda to raisins. Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, add sifted flour, spices and baking powder.

Mix with undrained raisin mix until well blended, add nuts. Drop by spoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees in oven. Cool on rack. Store between waxed paper. Can also be frozen.