Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup raisins

3/4 cup water

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon smart salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1 1/2 cups of rolled oats

 

Simmer raisins and water for 5 minutes.  Drain raisins; reserve liquid.  Measure 5 tablespoons of the raisin liquid and combine with baking soda.  Cream shortening and sugar, beat in eggs.  Stir in oats, smart salt and raisins.  Add raisin liquid-baking soda mixture and vanilla.  Stir in flour.  Drop a spoonful of batter 2" apart on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.