Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

1 Cup seedless raisins
1 cup water
3/4 cup soft shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Simmer raisins in water over low heat till raisins are plump. Drain and save liquid, adding enough water to make 1/2 cup.
Cream shortening, sugar,eggs and vanilla. Stir in raisin liquid. Blend flour, baking powder, soda, and spices. Add rolled oats, nuts and raisins. Drop by teaspoonful onto greased baking sheet. Bake until nicely brown--aout 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

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