Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Small box of raisins
•1 cup of water
•3/4 cup of shortening (may use Crisco or margarine)
•1 cup white sugar
•1/2 cup of brown sugar
•2 eggs
•1 tsp vanilla
•1TBL maple syrup
•2 1/2 cups flour
•1/2 tsp baking powder
•1 tsp soda
•1 tsp salt
•2 cups oatmeal
•1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Use ungreased baking sheet. Simmer raisins and water in saucepan over low heat until raisins are plump. Drain raisin liquid into measuring cup. Add enough water to make 1/2 cup.
Mix all dry ingredients together and set aside.
Using mixer mix shortening, eggs, and sugars together. Add maple syrup and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients with the raisin liquid. Fold in the raisins and the nuts.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough on baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 – 10 minutes until golden brown.
If you are a lover of spice you may add 1tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp cloves.