3/4 c. vegetable shortening or 3/4 c. vegetable oil
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. oatmeal, uncooked
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together shortening or oil, sugars, egg, water and vanilla until creamy. Add combined remaining ingredients; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.

For variety, add chopped nuts, raisins, chocolate chips or coconut. Makes 5 dozen.