Oatmeal Raisin Gems

Since we just moved, we have been in the process of buying new things for our apartment.  We just bought a washer and dryer and my landlord was generous enough to help my boyfriend get them into the basement.  So, I told him, as a thank you, that I would make him his favorite cookies.  His choice was oatmeal raisin.  I found this recipe for a soft cookie that interested me.  Here it is!

Oatmeal Raisin Gems

Yield: 6 dozen

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Combine raisins and water in small saucepan. Simmer over low heat 20 to 30 minutes, until raisins are plump. Drain liquid from raisins into measuring cup. If necessary, add enough additional water to raisin liquid to measure 1/2 cup. Set drained raisins and 1/2 cup raisin liquid aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in reserved 1/2 cup raisin water.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves into a separate bowl. Stir flour mixture into shortening mixture with a spoon. Stir in oats, nuts and reserved raisins; mix well.
4. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Note: These cookies freeze well.

 These cookies were very easy to make and the base dough before the raisins and oats was delicious!  These cookies are soft and quite an interesting texture after they are baked.  I gave half of them to my landlord and took the rest to work. The ladies loved them! Enjoy!