1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. butter or vegetable shortening
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. chopped dates
1 cup apples, peeled, chopped (generous)
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Measure raisins in a glass measuring cup and cover with boiling water or warm rum. Let stand for 10 minutes or until raisins are plump. Save liquid from soaking raisins.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter or vegetable shortening with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well; add oatmeal, dates, apple, and soaked raisins; stir.

Sift flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices together. Add nuts to flour mixture; stir into cookie batter and mix only until combined.

Drop by the spoonful onto silicone baking sheet, parchment or greased cookie sheet leaving 2-inches between cookies.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Makes 5 dozen small cookies.