Molasses Refrigerator Muffins

Ingredients

4 c unbleached flour
2 ts baking soda
1 ts salt
1 ts cinnamon
1 ts ginger
1/4 ts allspice
1/4 ts nutmeg
1 3/8 c vegetable shortening
1 c sugar
4 eggs
1 c molasses
1 c butter
1 c raisins

Instructions

Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice and nutmeg; set aside. Cream together shortening and sugar in mixing bowl until light anf fluffy, using electric mixer at medium speed. Add eggs beat well. Blend in molasses and butter/sour milk. Add dry ingredients all at once, stirring just enough to moisten. Stir in raisins. Spoon into greased 3-inch muffin-pan cups, filling 1/2 full. Bake in 350 degree oven 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with butter and jam. NOTE: Batter can be stored in refrigerator in covered container for up to 3 weeks.