The following is a recipe that my mother and I have used - the first cookbook was printed in 1897.

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 c. flour
2 c. raisins
1 c. hot water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. chopped walnuts

Drop with teaspoon. Bake at 350 degrees.