Grandma Cleo's Pumpkin Cookies

1 3/4 c. shortening
3 1/2 c. sugar
7 eggs
1 can pumpkin (3 1/2 cups)
4 1/2 c. flour
1 c. nuts (optional)
3 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg
7 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. raisins (or chocolate chips)

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Add pumpkin. Sift flour and dry ingredients, add and mix well. Add raisins and vanilla. Spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake 12 minutes at 375*. This makes a huge batch and we usually half it.