1 c. raisins
1 1/2 c. cold water
3/4 c. raisin liquid
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. shortening or butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon

Heat raisins and cold water to boiling. Set aside. Drain, saving 3/4 cup raisin liquid. Add baking soda and salt. Combine sugar, egg, shortening and vanilla. Add to above, alternating with raisin liquid: 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add raisins, nuts may be added. Pour onto greased cookie sheet with sides. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Spread with thin icing while still warm and cut into squares.

ICING:

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Water

Add water a little at a time until icing is thin enough to run off spoon slowly.