1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. boiling water
2 c. flour
2 c. oatmeal

Blend shortening, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs. Dissolve soda in boiling water and mix with sugar mixture. Add flour and oatmeal a little at a time until blended. Can add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips if desired. Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 9-12 minutes for chewy cookies; leave center not quite done for crunchier cookies. Cook until brown in middle. Makes 3 dozen.