Mom's Fruit Cocktail Cookie Recipe

A good friend suggested that I might want to change things up occasionally on my blog by offering a favorite recipe. I thought that was a great suggestion, so Gabrielle, this is my favorite cookie recipe in the whole world -- and the recipe makes a ton of cookies. Unfortunately, I can't give credit to the person who created this masterpiece. My mother gave this recipe to me many years before she passed away, and I don't know where she got it. The pictures here are my mom, dad, and older sister.

FRUIT COCKTAIL COOKIES

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons molasses
3 tablespoons hot water
1 cup raisins
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (drained) fruit cocktail
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream sugar and shortening. Add egg, molasses, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and vanilla. Fold in raisins, fruit cocktail, and nuts. Dilute soda in water and add to mixture. Add flour. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.