Mix together shortening, sugar and eggs. Beat until creamy. Add flour, salt, baking soda and vanilla. Mix well. Add hot water, oats, and choc. chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 deg. for 8 to 10 minutes. Adapted from a recipe by Bloomer Chocolate Company **My notes: I dropped a large tablespoonful of dough onto cookie sheets and left them high and rounded (not flattened). These turned out great. If an apple wedge is put in the tin with them, they will soften. ----