Cake-like Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. raisins (I used dried cranberries)
1 c. water
1 c. butter/shortening (or 1/2 c. of each)
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1/3 c. raisin liquid
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. quick oats
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:
1. In small saucepan with tight lid, heat raisins (cranberries) and water to boiling. Remove from heat; cool. Measure 1/3 cup liquid and reserve. Drain raisins.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs and mix well. Add raisin liquid and mix until combined.
3. In a medium bowl, sift together dry ingredients. Add to wet mixture and mix thoroughly.
4. Add oatmeal, raisins, chocolate chips, and nuts; mix well with a spoon.
5. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls two inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees or until lightly golden.

This is my mother's tried and true recipe.
Notes: As of 12/9/09 I have changed this recipe. There were some wrong amounts and missing ingredients. It should be great now!