Gum drop cookies

Jan shared that these gum drop cookies are the "kids' favorite at Christmastime." Jan's recipe was inherited from her Aunt Willa years ago.

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups oatmeal*

1 cup granulated sugar-coated red and green

(small size) gum drops cut

in half with kitchen scissors

(drop cut gum drops into

oatmeal for easier mixing)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch salt

1 cup Crisco vegetable

shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients, including gum drops, in oatmeal; set aside.

Beat shortening with brown sugar and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well.

Gradually beat in flour/oatmeal/gumdrop mixture.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls (Jan uses a melon-baller for same size cookies) onto ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Remove from cookie sheet and cool on newspaper covered with wax paper.

Makes 3 dozen cookies, depending on size of drop.

*Kitchen Ade note: For this recipe, Quick-1 Minute Quaker brand oats was used.