Karl's Raisin Bars

1 cup Raisins
1-1/2 cups Water
1/2 cup Shortening
1 Egg
1 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1.2 teaspoon Baking Soda
2 cups Flour
1 cup Chopped Nuts (optional)

Glaze
Butter, melted
Powdered Sugar
Milk
Vanilla

Boil the raisins in the water for 5 minutes, save the water. Blend the shortening, egg, sugar, and vanilla. Mix in 3/4 cups of the water from the raisins, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Add in the flour, nuts and raisins. Spread the batter onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 375-degrees for 15 minutes. Mix glaze ingredients and frost over hot raisin bars.