Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Directions

1. From the Seattle Times food section, makes about 4 dozen.
2. Place cranberries and 1/4 c. water in a bowl, cover and microwave at 100 percent power for 2 min. Let stand for 1 minute, then drain and cold.
3. (Don't use fresh or possibly frzn cranberries.)
4. With an electric mixer, beat shortening, brown and granulated sugars, Large eggs, water, and vanilla together till creamy in a large bowl.
5. Place flour, salt and soda in a medium bowl and stir with a wire whisk to combine well. Add in to creamed mix and blend well.
6. Stir in the oatmeal, chocolate pcs and cranberries.
7. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop dough by heaping Tbsp. (about 1/4 c.) onto sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
8. Press top of each cookie lightly with your finger to spread slightly. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 17 min. Let cold for 1 minute then transfer to racks to cold completely.
9. Note: I found parchment paper unnecessary. A greased cookie sheet works just as well.
10. /COOKIES