Hermits

This comes from my Aunt Kathy at the request of Steve Olafsen. Kathy has made these cookies for SLU Alumni All Starz for the past 4 years and it has become something that we all look forward to in the last couple legs of the race.



Hermits
1/4 cup shortening or a little more
11/2 cup sugar
1/4cup molasses
2 tbsp water
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp b soda
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped nuts (opt)
2 eggs beaten (with 1 tblsp reserverved for brushing top)
3 cups flour

mix shortening and sugar ,add molasses and water add beaten eggs(-1 tbsp)
add flour soda and spices
fold in raisins and nuts
divide dough into 4 parts roll in hand into logs and place on greased cookie sheet
flatten with brush dipped in egg wash slightly
bake 350 about 15 min till tops are golden to brn
cut on bias