CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES

Makes 3 dozen cookies

1 cup melted shortening, butter or margarine
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2sp soda
1 Tbs. hot water
2 cups rolled oats
1 package (6 oz.) choco chips
1/2 cup nuts, coarsely chopped

In large bowl, cream shortening; add sugars and cream
until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, salt,
and soda that has been dissolved in hot water; blend.
Stir in rolled oats, chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by
teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet about 1 1/2
inches apart. Bake at 375o for 10 minutes or until barely
brown and still a little puffy.

Variation

Coconut, raisins, and/or peanuts may be added to this
basic cookie dough. Or, 1 cup coarsely-grated carrots,
cooked in 2 Tbs. boiling water for 5 minutes may be
added.