Ed's Famous Cowboy Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 c wheat flour
1/2 ts baking powder
1/2 ts salt
1 c shortening
1 c packed brown sugar
1 c granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 ts vanilla
2 c quick-cooking oats
3/4 c dates
1/2 c raisins
1/2 c pecans
3/4 c chocolate bits

Instructions

----------------------------------OPTIONAL---------------------------------Coconut, dried apricots, Chopped walnuts, Butterscotch chips, etc. This recipe is from my father-in-law Ed Stang. He just dumped in whatever goodies are on hand; they always taste great. Preheat oven to 350�. In a medium bowl add all-purpose and whole wheat flours, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars; blend in eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Add oats, fruit, nuts and chocolate bits; mix in thoroughly. Dough will be crumbly. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets, using fingers to shape together. Bake at 350� about 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to rack to cool. Yield: about 6 dozen. Kathleen Stang, freelance food writer, Seattle, WA Randy Shearer