In a very large bowl, cream shortening and sugar together. Add eggs two at a time. Beat well.
Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon) into another very large bowl.
Grind raisins and nut and add to sifted flour mixture.
Add vanilla or orange peel and mix well.
Mix both dry and wet ingredients together.
Drop onto ungreased cookie sheets. With a lightly dusted fork, press lightly to make a criss-cross pattern on each cookie.
Bake at 375 F for 8-10 minutes or until cookie is golden around the edges.