*  Exported from  MasterCook II  *

                                 Hermits

Recipe By     : Elizabeth Powell
Serving Size  : 20   Preparation Time :2:00
Categories    : Cookies

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/4  cups          seedless raisins
   2 1/2  cups          all-purpose flour
     1/2  teaspoon      baking soda
   1      teaspoon      cream of tartar
     1/2  teaspoon      ground cloves
     1/2  teaspoon      cinnamon
     1/2  teaspoon      allspice
     1/2  teaspoon      ginger
     1/2  teaspoon      ground nutmeg
     1/2  cup           butter
   1      cup           sugar
     1/4  cup           milk

     Chop raisins finely in food processor with 1/4 cup flour.  Sift 2
     cups flour with soda, cream of tartar, and spices.  Cream butter
     with sugar.  Add dry ingredients alternately with milk until well
     blended.  Stir in raisins and enough additional flour, up to 3/4
     cup, to make a stiff dough.  Shape into two logs, about 1-1/2"
     diameter.  Chill overnight or freeze.
      When ready to make, slice to desired thickness and bake at
      375-400 degrees until done (15-20 minutes). See NOTES.

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Serving Ideas : Serving size = 2 to 4 cookies.

NOTES : These are the best homemade "slice and serve" cookies. The
dough freezes beautifully in logs that can be kept on hand for fresh
cookies baked in minutes. They may be sliced thinly and baked quickly
for elegant, crisp tea cookies, or sliced 1/4" or more thick and baked
in a slower oven until just set for a rich, chewy, New England Hermit.