->Cherry Oatmeal 01 <-

1 cup dried tart or sweet cherries, chopped

1 cup vegetable shortening

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups brwon sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 tbs. freshly grated orange rind

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

3 cups rolled oats

4 tbs. hot water

1/2 cup hot water for 10 minutes. Drain

well. Cream shortening with the granulated sugar and brown sugar

until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and orange rind

until combined well. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Blend well. Combine the rolled oats and 4 tbs. hot water.

Stir cherries and oats into batter. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls

onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 350F oven

for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden.

Yields 36 cookies.