Chocolate Italian Cookies

This recipe was given to my Mom by a good friend. I don't follow it to the letter, I don't use lard, I use shortening (sometimes half shortening half margarine). I also add more than called for spices, I like them spicy! I also replace the raisins with chocolate chips (even though I like it better with raisins). I also top them with a simple powdered sugar & water glaze.

8c flour
1 1/4 c sugar
12 TBS cocoa
2 tsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Cloves (Ground)
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Allspice
1 1/2 tsp Soda
1 1/2 c lard
2 c raisins
1 c nuts
2 TBS Vanilla
1 3/4 to 2 c Milk

Sift dry ingredients, cut in lard. Add milk as needed, add vanilla.
Knead 4 minutes, roll in medium balls. Bake 12 min @ 350.

9 to 10 DZ