1 c. raisins
1 c. water
3/4 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 whole eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 c. oats
1/2 c. chopped nuts, optional

Simmer raisins in water for 10 minutes. Drain raisin and reserve liquid. Add water to liquid, if necessary, to make 1/2 cup. Cream together shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. (Some people use an electric mixer for this). Stir in the 1/2 cup water, raisins and nuts. Drop by tablespoonfuls, 2 inch apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, until brown. Makes about three dozen, depending the size of cookies. Makes 36 servings.