Best Oatmeal Cookies

Best Oatmeal Cookies 1 cup shortening 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1⁄2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats 1⁄2 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1⁄2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) 1⁄2 cup raisins (optional) Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together shortening and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Sift together flour, salt and soda. Add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats slowly. Mix well. Add nuts, chips or raisins, if desired. Dough will be fairly stiff. Drop by heaping tablespoon on lightly greased cookie sheet. (I use a 4 teaspoon cookie scoop and press them down slightly before baking). Bake for 8-10 minutes.