oatmeal cookies

Here's a life lesson for all of you: if you want to be liked, bring cookies. Who doesn't like a cookie? Bring homemade cookies somewhere, and you'll be welcomed with open arms. It's my number-one secret to parties, social interactions, and man-winning.

For these cookies, I took a cue from Jen & Juice and swapped the raisins for dried cranberries.

A word about oats... Conventionally harvested oats are often contaminated with trace amounts of wheat. Because I am merely gluten-intolerant, oats & oat flour have never bothered me. But if you have celiac disease, make sure to use certified gluten-free pure oats & oat flour.

OATMEAL COOKIES

Makes 2-3 dozen

3/4 cup shortening

1 3/4 cup sugar

1 tbs molasses

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup water

1 1/2 cups flour*

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups oatmeal

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat together the first six ingredients by hand.

When smooth, add in the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Last, add in the oatmeal, cranberries, and chocolate chips.

Drop by spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned on top.

* For gluten-free, substitute 1 cup of oat flour and 1/2 cup white rice flour.