Hermits

I choose these cookies for the State Fair this year because I know they will win. Not many people have heard of hermits or know how to make them!

If you don't want chunks of raisins in the cookies you can run them in a food processor for a few pulses to break them up.

1 c butter, softened

1 1/2 c sugar

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cloves

3 eggs

3 1/4 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 c raisins

1/2 c molasses

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c walnuts

If you wanted to add a glaze for the top:

1 c powdered sugar

1 tbs butter (softened)

Milk to reach glaze consistency

Extra walnuts for topping

Preheat oven to 325 for bar cookies or 375 for drop cookies

In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and spices. Beat in eggs one at a time. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt and stir until well blended. Stir in molasses and raisins.

To make into bar cookies: Spread mixture onto cookie sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Cut into bars while warm and let cool on wire rack.

To make drop cookies: Drop batter about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet and bake 12-15 minutes. Let cool on wire rack.

After cookies are cool you can add the glaze and extra nuts if desired.