Veronica's Out of this World Famous Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1-2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

3. 3

   Set aside.

4. 4

   If you don't have a sifter, put all these ingredients into a bowl and"slice" through it with a knife several times and in all directions.

5. 5

   Cream together shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.

6. 6

   Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

7. 7

   Blend in vanilla.

8. 8

   Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed mixture.

9. 9

   Stir in oats.

10. 10

    If you want to add walnuts, stir them into mixture along with the oats.

11. 11

    I usually use about 2 cups of nuts (I'm a nut FREAK).

12. 12

    Shape into balls (I use a small melon ball scoop) and place on a greased cooking sheet.

13. 13

    Bake 10 to 12 minutes.

14. 14

    Makes about 4 dozen depending on the size cookie you make.