1 c. brown sugar (dark brown best)
1 c. white sugar (I use 1/2 c.)
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour (1 c. white, 3/4 c. whole wheat)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3 c. oatmeal (old fashioned 5 min. type best for chewy cookies)
1/2 c. chopped nuts OR 1 c. chopped dates OR sm. pkg. either chocolate chips or butterscotch chips (I add nuts and one other ingredient)

Cream first five ingredients. Blend next four dry ingredients and add. Add oatmeal and "goodies". Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 14 minutes.

Yield: 80 cookies.