Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder*
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp homemade vanilla**
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup plumped raisins***

Sift together dry ingredients and set aside.

Mix together butter and shortening for 30 seconds.  
Add sugars and beat until fluffy.  
Add egg, milk, and vanilla and beat well.

Add dry ingredients to wet, beating until well combined.  
Stir in oats and raisins.

Chill dough for 2 hours.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls.  (Optional) Dip tops into white sugar.

Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes in a 375 oven.

* If "safe" baking powder cannot be found, 
then substitute 1/4 tsp cream of tartar and 1/8 baking soda.

** Homemade vanilla is made by putting 2 vanilla beans into a 
bottle of potato vodka and letting it sit for a month.

*** Put raisins in a small pot and cover with water. 
Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let sit (covered) 
for 5 minutes.  Drain.