Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

This cookie has been a basic for many years. My neighbor introduced me to it when she brought some over for my children. It was my neighbor who first gave me this recipe.

I actually found a similar recipe in the Betty Crocker Cookbook and have made it many times. It's been years since I thought about that cookbook.

One time my youngest son. who was barely able see the top of table. was reaching for cookies that were cooling. He was eating them right off the baking sheet. Now that spells yummy!

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon soda
• 1 teasponn salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1 cup soft margarine or butter (3/4 cup for soft cookies)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 eggs unbeaten
• 1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup milk
• optional 1 cup raisins, chopped dates or chocolate chips)
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts, if desired

Set the oven at 375° to preheat.

Sift together flour, soda, salt, cinnamon. Add oatmeal. Combine butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla in large mixer bowl. Cream for about 2 minutes. Add milk, then flour mixture gradually while beating until blended. If using raisins, dates, chocolate chips or nuts, add. Beat for another minute to blend in. Scrape bowl as necessary.

Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake about 12 minutes or until browned. Makes about 5 dozen.

If you prefer an orange flavor omit the cinnamon and add 1 tablespoon of orange rind. Use orange juice in place of milk.

For banana flavor use 3/4 cup mashed bananas in place of the milk.

Any way you make these, I know you will be happy with the oatmeal cookie that has that extra zing to the flavor

Christmas Assortment:

• Mostaschol (Italian Honey Cookies)
• Pizzelle
• Italian Love knots
• Cathedral Window Holiday Bars
• Christmas Spice Cookies
• Date or Fig Bars
• Miniature Lady Locks
• Santa's Whiskers
• Sour Cream Date Drop Cookies