I remember my grandmother getting wonderfully ripe persimmons from friendly countryside neighbors who would leave their fruit out on a table and a box for the money, on the honor system.

Ingredients

1 c persimmon pulp 1 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 c sugar 1/2 c shortening 1 egg 2 1/4 c flour 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp salt 1 c raisins

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix baking soda with the persimmon pulp and set aside. The pulp will gel a bit.

Meanwhile, cream sugar and shortening a few minutes in the mixer until fluffy.

Add the persimmon gel to sugar mixture and mix on med.

Add the egg and continue mixing until well combined.

Sift together the dry ingredients and add them in slowly, reducing the speed to low once it comes together. Add the raisins and mix through.

Drop by teaspoons on baking sheets, either lightly oiled or on parchment paper.

Bake at 350 for 12 - 14 minutes.

Optional: Glaze with powder sugar glaze made with orange juice (or with water).