1 cup shortening (half butter for flavor)
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup hot water or buttermilk
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Cream together butter and add the sugar gradually. Blend in well beaten eggs. Add the baking soda to the hot liquid and blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in coconut and vanilla, combining well.

Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder and stir this into the coconut mixture. Beat 30 seconds with electric mixer.

Chill thoroughly in order to make the dough easier to handle.

Form into balls the size of walnuts. Flatten each into an oblong shape 1/4" thick. Place on ungreased baking sheet and press lengthwise with the times of a fork.

This dough also works well with a cookie press.

Bake about 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F.

When cool, store in an airtight container. Makes about 7 dozen.

Submitted by: CM