Emma Smith's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I can't believe how good these cookies were!  They were full of flavor and nice and soft.  And I loved the addition of nuts in them.  I almost left the nuts out, and am glad I didn't.  They really added to the cookies.  The family isn't too big on raisins, but they all loved the cookies.  Even my picky 11 year old ate them after I told her she could only have a cookie if she was going to eat it how it was and not pick out the raisins.  I'm a mean mom like that.

1/2 cup shortening 

3/4 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

4 eggs

1/2 cup milk

4 cups rolled oats

2 cups raisins

2 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cloves

2 cups nuts (I used pecans)

Mix shortening and sugar together then add eggs and beat well. Add milk and mix well. Mix flour, soda salt, and spices together in a separate bowl, then add them all at once. Mix well. Add raisins, oatmeal and nuts and mix.  Refrigerate overnight.  Roll into small balls (I flatten mine slightly.  I think it makes them cook more evenly) and place 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 375 for 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden around the edges.