Sunny Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 cup shortening (butter flavored or regular)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 Tablespoons finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup white raisins
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 2 cups flour

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar.  Add eggs and beat well.  Add orange juice, orange zest and vanilla.  Combine dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture.  Add oats, raisins and nuts.  Drop from teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes.  Yield 4 dozen

From the Taste of Home Cookbook, First United Methodist Church, O’Fallon, Illinois

~ Patty Strube ~