2 c. raisins
1 c. water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. shortening or butter
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. allspice
3 eggs, unbeaten
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. sifted flour
1 c. chopped nuts

Boil raisins 5 minutes in 1 cup water; measure 1/2 cup of water from raisins. Add more water if needed. Cool. Stir in soda. Cream shortening. Beat in sugar mixed with spices. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and raisin liquid. Stir in flour, add raisins and nuts.

Chill dough until stiff. At least 2 hours. Drop by fat teaspoonfuls about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees. Makes about 6 dozen.