Famous Oatmeal Cookies

3/4 c Vegetable shortening

1 c Firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 c Granulated sugar

1 Egg

1/4 c Water

1 t Vanilla

3 c QUAKER Oats (quick or old

-fashioned, uncooked) 1 c All-purpose flour

1 t Salt (opt)

1/2 t Baking soda

Heat oven to 350'F. Beat shortening, suagrs, egg, water and vanilla until creamy. Add combined oats, flour, salt and baking soda; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Store tightly covered. Makes about 5 dozen cookies. MY OWN SPECIAL COOKIES: Add 1 cup of any or a combination of the following ingredients to basic cookie dough: raisins, chopped nuts, chocolate chips or coconut. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.