Drop Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup margarine or butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl beat shortening and margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half of the flour, the sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and baking soda. Beat till thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour.
2. Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° oven for 8 to 10 minutes or till edges are golden. Cool cookies on the cookie sheet for 1 minute, then remove cookies and cool on a wire rack.
3. Chocolate-Peanut Drop Cookies: Prepare as above, except add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons milk with the sugar. After beating in all the flour, stir in 1/2 cup chopped peanuts. Makes about 30.
4. Pineapple-Coconut Drop Cookies: Prepare as above, except add 1/2 cup well-drained crushed pineapple and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger with the sugar. After beating in all the flour, stir in 1 cup coconut. Makes about 30.
5. Spiced Raisin Drop Cookies: Prepare as above, except add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg with the sugar. After beating in all the flour, stir in 1 cup raisins or mixed dried fruit bits. Makes about 30.
6. Coconut-Pecan Drop Cookies: Prepare as above, except, after beating in all the flour, stir in 1 cup coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans. Makes about 36.
7. Gumdrop Drop Cookies: Prepare as above, except, after beating in all the flour, stir in 1 cup snipped gumdrops. Makes about 30.