2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 c. soft butter or shortening
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. water
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:

I always make this recipe after my holiday baking is done and I have bits and pieces of all kinds of baking ingredients leftover. This way, they don't go to waste. I have been known to throw in any one or all of the following. Honey Chocolate chips (or any other flavor) Wheat germ (Monsters don't taste it at all) Nuts (any kind) Fruit chunks Dates Cookie decorations Raisins Coconut Peanut butter M&M'S® Maraschino cherries, quartered Pumpkin pie filling Poppy seed

Sift together the flour, soda and salt. Set aside. Combine the butter, sugars, vanilla and water. Add eggs. Beat until creamy. Add the flour mixture and mix well. Add any of the optional ingredients you choose, remembering to add some that are dry and some that are moist to keep the texture of the cookies. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes for cookies, or pour into 9x13 inch baking dish for bar cookies and bake approximately 40 minutes or until done.