Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas mark 5
Soak the raisins in a cup of warm water for ten minutes. Drain and set aside. Toast the oats under the grill until starting to go brown.
Sift together the flour, salt, soda and spices. In another bowl, mix the syrup, apple sauce, essence and sugar. Combine both mixtures in a large bowl and mix well. Fold in the toasted oats and the raisins. Drop by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet. Bake for approx. ten minutes until turning brown. Remove and cool on a rack.
