Many, many years ago I was starting a family on a slim budget.  Quite a few neighbors received US Surplus Foods, and had no idea what to do with many of them.  They gave them to me rather than throw them out; I had oodles of dried eggs, flour, rolled oats and wheat, shortening, navy beans, dry milk and other goodies.  This is one recipe I altered from one in a Westinghouse cookbook, to use many of these foods.  Here it is, without dried eggs, powdered milk, etc.

Favorite Oatmeal Cookies

1 C. margarine, non-hydrogenated
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C. raisins
1 C. walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped
1 C. chocolate bits (optional)
1/4 C. buttermilk or sour milk (Note)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 C. flour, sifted with soda
2 1/2 C. oatmeal (not instant)

Pour boiling water over the raisins and set aside.  Preheat oven to 375° F.

Cream margarine and sugar; add eggs one at a time, mixing well.  Add salt and vanilla.  Drain the softened raisins.  Add raisin, nuts and chocolate chips to margarine and sugar mixture.  Add flour alternately with milk, stirring to mix.  Add oatmeal; mixture will be very stiff. 

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets.  Bake about 12 to 15 minutes until edges are browned and cookie is firm.