Cranberry Charms

Preparation : In a small bowl, combine cranberries and 3/4 cup granulated sugar; set aside for 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, cream remaining 1/4 granulated sugar shortening, brown sugar and eggs until blended. Stir together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and spices. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk and vanilla to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in orange peel, oats, nuts and 1 cup of the cranberry-sugar mixture. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto a greased baking sheet. Top cookies with remaining chopped cranberries. Bake at 400~F. for 10 minutes or until cookies are brown around the edges.