Rum Raisin Oatmeal Chip Cookies

1 cup raisins
1/3 cup dark rum
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 cups quick-cooking or regular oatmeal
1 cup nuts, chopped
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Soak raisins in rum in a small bowl for at least two hours or overnight, if possible.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter and sugars in large mixing bowl on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Lower speed and add flour and baking soda. Stir in oatmeal, chopped nuts, chocolate chips and raisins and rum with a spoon; blend well. Drop dough by teaspoonsful 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 6 dozen.