Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

by Pat Garrard
1c raisins
1c. water
3/4 c. shortening
1 1/2c. sugar
2 eggs
1tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1tsp. bakng soda
1tsp. cinnamon
1/2tsp. cloves
2c.rolled oats
1 1/2c. chopped nuts

Simmer raisins and water in a saucepan oer low heat until plump, 20-30 minutes. Drain raisin liquid into a measuring cup and add enough water to make 1/2 c. Heat oven to 400 F. Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in raisin liquid. Combine all dry ingredients and add to liquid. Add raisins and nuts. Blend well. Drop by spoonfulls onto baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Makes 6 dozen.

Great Idea

A student of mine always brings cookies to eat for lunch.  His mom says he gets cookies every night, she just makes a huge batch and puts it in the refrigerator then bakes a tray at a time.  I told her that I would just eat the cookie dough.  My last day of teaching before maternity leave she brought me a container of cookie dough with Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes on it.  Of course I mostly ate the dough.  I know there is always that worry for raw eggs so I decided to search out a recipe that doesn't call for eggs.  So far I haven't found one that I enjoy.
http://www.recipe4living.com/recipes/eggless_chocolate_chip_cookies_3.htm
This recipe seemed pretty oily.  If you have any suggestions please let me know!