1Add water to raisins and boil 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2Cream shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add cooled raisins and water. Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Add flour mixture to raisin mixture, blend well.
3Chill dough until firm.
4Drop by teaspoon onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes on cookie sheet before removing.