Preheat oven to 350°. Cook raisins in water until soft. Set aside. Mix brown sugar, shortening, eggs, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, flour, baking soda and walnuts together. Add raisins and water. Drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet and bake until set. Cool and top with icing, if desired.

To make icing: Beat powdered sugar, butter and vanilla. Add milk, a bit at a time, until you reach desired consistency.