3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup water
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
3 cups uncooked oats (regular)
1 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped nuts, raisins or shredded coconut (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet.

Place shortening, sugars, egg and vanilla in mixing bowl and beat thoroughly. Sift together salt, flour and baking soda and add to shortening mixture. Mix well. Blend in oats and drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until slightly brown at the edges.

Variations: You may also add chopped nuts, raisins or shredded coconut to the batter.

Makes 5 dozen cookies.