1 c. raisins
1 c. water
3/4 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 c. unsifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 c. rolled oats
1 c. chopped walnuts

Simmer raisins and water in small saucepan about 15 minutes, until raisins are plump. Drain raisins, reserve liquid. Add enough water to reserved liquid to measure 1/2 cup.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed, combine shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Blend in reserved raisin liquid. Clean beaters and side of bowl. At very low speed add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and baking powder. Stir in raisins, oats, walnuts.

Drop dough by level tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until brown. Remove cookies from baking sheet immediately. Cool completely. Store in airtight container. Makes 6 dozen.