Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/2  cups          brown sugar; firmly packed
     2/3  cup           shortening
   2                    eggs; large
   2      tablespoons   milk
   1      tablespoon    orange rind; grated
   2      teaspoons     baking powder
   1      teaspoon      cinnamon
     1/2  teaspoon      cloves
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
   2      cups          unbleached flour
   1      cup           raisins
     1/2  cup           nuts; chopped -- if desired

Preparation:

Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, milk and orange rind. Stir together baking powder, spices, salt and flour. Mix into sugar mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts, if used. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350F about 10 to 12 minutes, or until done. Remove from baking sheets and cool cookies on rack. Store in airtight tins. Makes about 4 to 5 dozen cookies.