Brownies without Chocolate

1/3 cup vegetable shortening3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup raisins (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan. Melt the shortening in a one quart saucepan. Remove from the heat. Mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder and raisins. Spread batter in pan and bake 30 minutes. Cool slightly and cut into squares.  Makes 16 brownies