Chocolate-Lovers Oatmeal Delights

  These gems substitute chocolate and peanut butter flavored chips instead instead of raisins.

48 cookies

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate piece
• 1 cup peanut butter chip

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
Set aside.
In a very large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.
Add the sugar and beat mixture till combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
Beat in egg, water and vanilla till combined.
Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour mixture and the rolled oats.
Stir in chocolate pieces and peanut butter pieces.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoon 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake in a 350 oven for 10 to 12 minutes or till the edges are set.
Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool.

Absolutely Excellent Oatmeal Cookies

These are chewy, healthy oatmeal cookies which can be prepared in a number of variations, just add nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, coconut, candied fruit or any other additions.

Makes 7 dozen (84 servings).

1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
1 cup sour milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla and sour milk.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, gradually stir into the creamed mixture.

Finally, stir in the rolled oats, and your choice of additions.
Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.