Ingredients

1 cup dried tart or sweet cherries, chopped
1 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups brwon sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tbs. freshly grated orange rind
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups rolled oats
4 tbs. hot water

Directions

Soak dried cherries in 1/2 cup hot water for 10 minutes. Drain well. Cream shortening with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and orange rind until combined well. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Blend well. Combine the rolled oats and 4 tbs. hot water. Stir cherries and oats into batter. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden.