Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Yield: 6 to 7 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 banana (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup coconut (optional)
• 2 tablespoons wheat germ (optional)
• 5 to 6 dates (optional

Instructions

1. Simmer raisins and water over low heat until plump (20 to 30 minutes). Add 5 or 6 chopped dates the last 5 minutes, if desired.
2. Heat oven to 400 degrees F
3. Drain raisin liquid into cup and add water to measure 1/2 cup.
4. Cream shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in hot raisin liquid.
6. Blend in dry ingredients and stir in oats, raisins and optional ingredients.
7. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8 to 10 minutes.