Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, with Nuts

This morning felt like fall. Cold, wet and rainy.  I had some extra oatmeal I needed to use, so Oatmeal cookies!  This is from an old Farm Journal cookbook. (1953) Love those books, some of my favorite recipes come out of those.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 cup raisins

1 cup water



3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Simmer raisins and water over low heat until raisins are plump, about 20 minutes. I add some flor di scilia or you can add a little rum to the water if you want. That did add a good flavor.
Drain raisins into a measuring cup. Add enough water to make 1/2 a cups of raisin water. Let cool.

Preheat oven to 400.
In a mixer, mix shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Stir in raisin liquid.
Ina large bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. I used 1 1/2 teaspoons of Penzey's cake spice instead of cinnamon and cloves. Blend flour mixture into shortening mixture.
Add oats, nuts and raisins.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned
Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies using the large cookie scoop, 4 dozen using the medium scoop