->Persimmon 06 <-

2 cups flour

1 cup almonds, ground

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 persimmon, peeled and pureed

1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, almonds, baking soda, spices and salt. In a large

bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in the egg. Beat in the

persimmon puree. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Stir in

the optional raisins. Drop the dough by spoonfuls 1 1/2" apart onto

ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 min., until lightly colored.

Transfer to wire racks to cool. Baking notes: Use overripe persimmons

for these intensely flavored cookies. These cookies are delicious

but perishable; store in the refrigerator. Yield: 4-5 dozen