Grandma Murphy's Chocolate chip/Oatmeal Cookies

As Rachael Ray would say...YUMMO!

1 cup shortening (I try to use non-hydrogenated shortening

or at least 1/2 cup Nucoa (buttery sticks) + 1/2 cup shortening

or 1 cup Nucoa or 1 cup "I can't believe it's not butter" (not using

any shortening changes the final results a bit - so experiment and

decide which you like best

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup white sugar or 1 1/2 c. brown sugar (I prefer the last)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp hot water

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 c. oatmeal (I use old fashioned)

1-2 cups chocolate chips

1 c. chopped nuts (Pecans are my choice)

but nuts are optional

Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla & water together,

add flour, baking soda, salt and mix well.

Add oatmeal and mix well.

Add chocolate chips and nuts and mix well.

(your choice if you spray your cookie sheets with

pam - sometimes they stick a little and some times

they don't)

Bake 350 8-12 min....they spread some as they

are baking so leave a little space between spoonfuls.

I prefer them a little soft-crispy than crisper - but in my

oven takes about 10-11 minutes. (higher elevation

could be the reason). I let them sit for a minute on

the cookie sheet before removing.

Have fun.......They freeze well..

Denice's Maple Granola

3 c rolled oats

1 c slivered almonds

1 c salted cashews (slightly chopped)

1 c. shredded sweet coconut

1/4 c plus 2 T dark brown sugar

1/4 c plus 2 T pure maple syrup

1/4 c veg. oil

1 c dried cranberries or any other dried fruit of your choice

Preheat oven to 250. In a large bowl combine oats, nuts and coconut. In a small saucepan combine maple syrup, oil and brown sugar. Heat just ot melt brown sugar and then pour over dry ingredients. Stir well. Spread into cookie sheet and bake for an hour or until dryness you like. Let cool. Add dried fruit and stir. Store in air-tight container.