CHEWY ORANGE-OATMEAL COOKIES

1 cup quick oats

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable shortening*
1 tbsp grated orange peel
1 tsp vanilla
1 large egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the oats in a single layer in a shallow pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes; remove and cool completely.

In a large mixing bowl beat the sugars and shortening until light and fluffy.  Blend in the orange peel, vanilla, and egg.

Lightly combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to the sugar mixture and mix well to blend.  Stir in the cooled oats and the nuts.

Lightly spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.  Drop the cookie dough by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2-inches apart, onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 9 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow to cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

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Yield: 3 to 4 dozen cookies.