Shaped 
Christmas Cookies

• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking or regular oats, uncooked
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup toasted diced almonds

Cream shortening in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add oats. blending well. Stir in vanilla and water.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl; add to creamed mixture, stirring well. Stir in almonds. Chill 1 hour or until firm.

Shape dough into 3/4 inch balls; place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets, and flatten with bottom of a glass dipped in flour. Bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: about 3 dozen.

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