Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup raisins
1 cup water

Simmer over low heat for 20 – 30 minutes
Strain and save water
Add enough water to make ½ cup

¾ cup shortening
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 ½ cups flour plus 2-3 T.
½ tsp baking powder
1 scant tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cloves
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup chopped nuts

Cream shortening and sugar
Add eggs and vanilla
Add liquid from raisins
Mix dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture
Add rolled oats, nuts and raisins
Drop 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet
Bake at 375 – 400 for 8 – 10 minutes
Makes 6 -7 dozen cookies