1 c. shortening (lard is best or Crisco)
2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. ground raisins, first soaked in water 10 minutes, drain, grind
2 1/4 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. oats (lg. are best)
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
2 eggs
1 1/2 tbsp. white Karo

Put raisins to soak. Cream shortening, brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and ground raisins. Mix flour, soda and salt. Add Karo to first mixture. Add dry ingredients to first mixture, rolled oats and nuts. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or longer until lightly brown. Cover tightly for chewy cookies. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla if dates are used in raisins place.