Old-fashioned oatmeal cookies

Old-fashioned oatmeal cookies are made with shortening, brown sugar, buttermilk, and spices.

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, stir before measuring
1 teaspoon baking soda (decrease to 1/2 teaspoon if you use regular milk)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups quick cooking rolled oats
3/4 to 1 cup raisins
Chocolate Chips (optional)

PREPARATION:In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until light. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk.Into another bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.Stir the sifted mixture into the creamed mixture until blended. Stir in oats and raisins. With a tablespoon, drop onto greased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake in a preheated 400° oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Makes 4 to 5 dozen oatmeal cookies.