IRISH OATMEAL COOKIES WITH RAISINS AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Place raisins into a small saucepan, add the whiskey or water and bring to the boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Off the heat, cover and set aside to steep.
• In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to cream together the shortening, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
• In another bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt with a wire whisk.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the shortening mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon.
• Stir in the oats, then blend in the raisins and the walnuts; mix well.
• Use a cookie scoop or drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Place some granulated sugar in a small bowl. Moisten the bottom of a small glass in water and dip into sugar, then press the glass gently onto the top of each cookie to slightly flatten.
• Bake in preheated 350F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges and centers are set--do NOT over bake.
• Let cookies cool 1 minute on cookie sheet, then use a spatula to carefully remove warm cookies to wire rack to completely cool. DO NOT leave cookies on cookie sheet longer than a minute or two, or they will become stuck.
• Store in an airtight container or freezer bag; these cookies freeze well.