OATMEAL COOKIES

OK, it is time for a super easy recipe. I made these yesterday
so I could put them in my husband's lunch. I had not made them in a long time and upon tasting one I was reminded of how good the old fashioned cookies are. I also have to admit, I like eating the dough before it is cooked. Come on, don't laugh, I bet you like cookie dough too!!

OATMEAL COOKIES (makes about 20 - 2 ounce cookies)

2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats (toasted)
1 1/2 Cups Unbleached All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Ground Allspice
1/8 Tsp. Ground Cloves
3 Ounces Unsalted Butter (room temp)
3 Ounces Crisco
3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
3/4 Cup Packed Dark Brown Sugar
2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
1 Tsp. Vanilla extract
1 Cup Raisins, or Chocolate Chips, or White Chocolate Chips, or Dried Cranberries, or Dried Apricots, etc. or a combination of two or three
1/2 Cup Walnuts (toasted and chopped)

Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Put the oats on a sheetpan and toast them, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Whisk together the flour, soda, baking powder, salt and spices in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Beat butter, crisco and both sugars until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla, beating to combine.
Add dry ingredients and beat until just blended.
Add the cooled oats, nuts, and raisins. Mix to combine.

Chill the dough for about an hour or overnight.
Shape into 2 ounce balls and flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes rotating once during baking.