Heavenly Hermits

A childhood friend of my grandmothers, another little old Italian lady, (smile) passed this on to her and she passed it on to me. I love the flavor of these hermits and I've made them for friends and they're always pleasantly surprised because they are not a common treat like chocolate chip cookies or apple pie...I havent made them with the nuts, only raisins...Im sure theyre good either way!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup shortening
• 3⁄4 cup white sugar
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon clove
• 1  teaspoon ginger
• 1⁄4 cup molasses
• 1⁄8 cup water
• 1  cup raisins (optional)
• 1  cup  nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Cream shortening & sugars.
2. Add beaten eggs reserving a small amount for tops.
3. Add remaining ingredients & mix well.
4. Spread in narrow strips on a greased cookie sheet & brush with the reserved egg.
5. Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Cool and cut in squares.