1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream sugars, shortening and eggs. Blend together flour, salt and soda; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough into three portions for variations given below. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

1. CHOCOLATE CRINKLES:

Melt 1/3 cup chocolate bits and add to one portion of dough. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and roll in 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Bake 15-18 minutes in 350 degree oven.

2. CHERRY ALMOND DROP:

1/2 c. maraschino cherries, well drained
1/2 c. coconut
1/4 tsp. almond extract

Add above ingredients to dough and drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased pan and bake for 15-18 minutes in 350 degree oven.

3. DATE NUT CHEWS:

1/2 c. cut up dates
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Add to one portion of dough. Shape into 1 inch balls and place on greased pan. Bake 15-18 minutes at 350 degrees.