Oatmeal Cookies, embellished

The cookies I made today, are on my comfort food list. After all oatmeal is healthy, right?

Oatmeal Apricot Pistachio Cookies;

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

3 Tablespoons water or orange juice

1 Tablespoon Orange Flower Water

1 teaspoon vanilla

pinch ground cardamom

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup all purpose flour

2-3 cups oatmeal

1 cup dried apricots, chopped into raisin size pieces, (or cut with kitchen scissors) unsulfered apricots are best.

1/2 to 1 cup chopped raw pistachios

Cream the sugars with the shortening until fluffy. Mix in the egg, flavorings and liquids. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and mix well. Add the nuts and apricots, mix and add the oatmeal. The mixture will be somewhat stiff. If it doesn’t hold shape when dropped by spoonfuls, add a bit more flour.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit on parchment lined or butter and floured baking sheets until edges start to brown, about 10-12 minutes for 1 1/4 inch drops. About 5 dozen at that size.

Add orange zest for more orange flavor, use any dried fruit, cutting up larger pieces to raisin size pieces. Berry mixes work well, with or without nuts.