Fruit and Nut Oatmeal Cookies

Fresh Plum Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 cup shortening

1/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup water

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup Italian Plums, diced small (to about the size of raisins)

Preheat oven to 400

Line Baking sheets with parchment - with the plums, you really do need this

Cream butter and shortening in the bowl of the electric mixer. Add sugar, eggs and vanilla. Mix well.

In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger.  Sift all together before adding to creamed mixture. Blend well. 

Stir in oats and nuts. Then fold in fresh Italian plums.  

Use the medium scoop and drop onto parchment lined baking sheets

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly brown around the edges. 

Makes about 3 dozen. 

These are a great cookie, they go fast! 

You can add a little more ginger and use peaches in the recipe.