boil raisins in 1 cup of water until soft (about 10 min on low after water starts to boil)

cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.

sift together all dry ingredients.

add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with undrained boiled raisins (cooled)

add chopped nuts if desired - ok to leave out

drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets - bake 10-12 min

preheat oven to 400