Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

By dlgates60

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup shortening
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. ground cloves
• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• ½ cup chopped walnuts, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In a saucepan, cook raisins in water over medium heat until plump, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid. Add enough water to measure ½ cup.
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in raisin liquid. Blend in dry ingredients. Stir in raisins and oats. Add nuts if desired. Drop by teaspoonfuls about 2” apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake a 375F for 10 – 12 minutes or until light brown. Yield 5 dozen.