Yield:  6 dozen

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

 DIRECTIONS:

1. Simmer raisins and water over medium heat until raisins are plump, about 15 minutes. Drain raisins, reserving the liquid. Add enough water to reserved liquid to measure 1/2 cup.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Mix the shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla thoroughly. Stir in reserved liquid.
4. Blend in the remaining ingredients.
5. Drop by rounded teaspoons about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown.  

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