Walnut Raisin Cookies

Satisfaction is a big batch of Walnut Raisin Cookies cooling on the kitchen table.
These ones are really simple to make and can be adapted in lots of ways. They are yummy with dried apricots and mixed spice, dates instead of raisins or just with hazelnuts....but they all make the house smell lovely.....
To make a batch of about 36 biscuits you will need:

8oz of butter

12oz of Demerara sugar

13 oz of flour

4oz of chopped walnuts

5oz of raisins

3 eggs

1teaspoon of cinnamon

1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in 1 1/2 tbspns of hot water

1/2 a teaspoon of sea or rock salt

. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

. Add the eggs one at a time.

. Add the soda mixture.

. Add half the flour, the salt and cinnamon.

. Mix in the walnuts and raising and then add the remaining flour.

. Place spoonfuls onto a greased baking tray. I find this makes four trayfulls.

. Bake in a pre-heated oven 180c/350f/gas mark 4 for about 10 minutes.

. Cool on a wire cooling rack.

You may want to omit the baking soda as it does taste a little salty. It is a bit of an acquired taste, like Irish Soda bread. Children might not be too keen. But baking powder is good for the digestion and some people use it as a natural remedy for an upset tummy. I like to make these occasionally because we eat a lot of fruit and so our diet is quite acid...I feel this helps to neutralise and balance things out a bit. But mostly I just make them cos they taste good........ ;o)