2/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
(Sifted together)

Mix all but dry ingredients thoroughly. Stir in dry ingredients. Shape dough into balls. Cut in half. Shape each in 2 inch diameter. Can be refrigerated up to one month or frozen up to three months.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cut in 1/4 inch slices. Not necessary to thaw first. Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 9 to 11 minutes. Remove immediately onto rack. Makes about 5 1/2 dozen.

VARIATIONS:

OATMEAL-COCONUT: Reduce flour to 2 3/4 cups. Add 1 cup flaked coconut and 1 cup quick cooking oats with the flour.

Or: Add 1 cup chopped nuts and 1/2 cup cocoa with flour.

Or: Add 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped nuts with flour.