CONTEST COOKIES: The Nut Tree's Famous Drop Cookies

THE NUT TREE'S FAMOUS DROP COOKIES
Adapted by BumbleBeeBoogie

1 cup seedless raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 cup soft butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry ingredients:
1-2/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves

In a sauce pan, cover the raisins with boiling water and let stand a few minutes to plump them; drain well. Mix with the nuts and 1 tablespoon of flour; set aside.

In a large bowl, gradually beat the sugar into the butter. When fluffy, beat in the eggs, one at a time. Blend in the vanilla.

In a bowl, sift the remaining dry ingredients. Add the raisins and nuts. Combine with the egg mixture and stir to blend well.

Preheat the oven at 400 degrees F.

Drop by teaspoonfuls on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, until brown. Cool on a rack. Makes 5 to 6 dozen crunchy cookies. Store tightly covered.