Cookie Mix

5 cups flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups vegetable shortening

In a large bowl mix well the flour, sugars, salt and baking soda. With a pastry blender or 2 knives cut shortening into flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store airtight in a cool, dry place. Use within 3 months. Makes about 10 cups.

Raisin-Oatmeal Cookies:
In a large bowl mix well 2 cups Cookie Mix, 2 cups quick oats, 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar and chopped walnuts. Stir in 2 slightly beaten eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well blended. Shape dough in 1-inch balls. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Press flat with bottom of glass dipped in flour. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to racks to cool. Makes 66.

Spice Cookies:
In a medium bowl mix well 2 cups Cookie Mix and 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. Stir in 1 slightly beaten egg, 1/4 cup molasses and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended. Drop by teaspoonfuls (dip spoon in water to prevent sticking) 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Press flat with bottom of glass dipped in granulated sugar (moisten glass to help sugar adhere if necessary). Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are browned. Remove to racks to cool. Makes 36.

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies:
In a medium bowl mix well 2 cups Cookie Mix and 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar. Stir in 1 slightly beaten egg, 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Press flat with fork tines dipped in water to prevent sticking. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are browned. Remove to racks to cool. Makes 40.

Fudgy Brownies:
In a medium bowl mix well 2 cups Cookie Mix, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder. Stir in 2 slightly beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended. Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Spoon into greased 8-inch square baking pan; smooth top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack. Cut into 2-inch squares. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Pinwheel Cookies:
In a medium bowl stir 2 1/2 cups Cookie Mix, 1 slightly beaten egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well blended. Divide dough in half. With hands or wooden spoon work 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon water into half until well blended. Chill if necessary before rolling out. Roll out each half between 2 sheets lightly floured wax paper to a 12 x 9-inch rectangle. Place chocolate on vanilla. Starting at wide side, roll up tightly; chill for 1 hour.

Cut into 1/8-inch slices. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to racks to cool.

Checkerboard Cookies:
Use Pinwheel Cookies recipe above. Divide chocolate and vanilla halves in half. Shape each to 1/2-inch thick rope with hands, lightly floured if necessary. Place a chocolate and vanilla roll parallel to each other, then a vanilla roll on top of the chocolate and a chocolate roll on top of the vanilla. Press lightly to form a compact roll (if necessary, moisten rolls with water to keep dough together). Wrap rolls airtight. Chill for 1 hour or overnight.

Cut into 1/8-inch slices. Bake as directed for Pinwheel Cookies.

Chocolate Chip Squares:
In a large bowl mix well 2 1/3 cups Cookie Mix and 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar. Stir in 2 slightly beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended. Fold in 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped walnuts. Use a small metal spatula dipped in water to spread mixture in greased and lightly floured 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on rack. Cut into 2-inch squares.