Coffee Liqueur Raisin Cookies

1 ½ cups raisins

½ cup coffee flavored liqueur

1 cup shortening

2 cups packed brown sugar

3 eggs

½ cup milk

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 ½ cups rolled oats

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup white chocolate chips

Place raisins in a small bowl, and add coffee flavored liqueur. Heat in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes, or until hot. Set aside to cool (overnight is great). Drain, and reserve liquid.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

In a large bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in milk and the reserved liquid from the raisins. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Stir in oats. Mix in the walnuts and white chocolate chips, if desired. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.