Honey Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup hot water, or hot black tea
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 cup butter
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 to 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 package (6 oz.) chocolate chips, optional

Directions:

1. Pour hot water/tea over raisins; let stand at least 15 minutes.
2. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly; set aside.
3. Cream butter; gradually add honey until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Drain raisins; reserve 1/4 cup liquid.
5. Alternately add flour mixture and reserved raisin liquid. Stir in nuts, raisins and chocolate chips. Chill dough for at least one hour.
6. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake at 350°F about 12 minutes or until browned.
8. Let stand one minute on cookie sheet; remove and cool on rack. Store in airtight container.