Clear the Cupboard Cookies by Tracy Mata

Ingredients: One cup shortening, One cup sugar, One cup firmly packed light brown sugar, Two large eggs, Two cups all purpose flour, One teaspoon baking soda, One teaspoon baking powder, One teaspoon salt, One cup uncooked regular oats, One cup flaked coconut, One cup crisp rice cereal, One teaspoon vanilla extract, One cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional).

Preparation: Beat shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; add sugars, beating well. Add eggs, beating until blended. Combine flour and next four ingredients; gradually add to sugar mixture, beating after each addition. Stir in coconut, cereal, vanilla, and, if desired, pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets. Bake at 350 degree oven for ten minutes or until lightly golden. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield 4 1/2 dozen.