Ingredients:

1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

3 tablespoons warm water

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup regular sugar

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

2 tablespoons milk alternative

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cup quick-cook or regular rolled oats

1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces or raisins* optional

Method:

Mix flaxseed meal and warm water in a small bowl and let sit for 2-5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, both kinds of sugar, salt and baking soda.

Add the 1/2 cup of shortening, flaxseed meal with the water, milk alternative and vanilla. Stir with a wooden spoon until well mixed (or be a kid and mix with your hands). If you choose, add your chocolate pieces or raisins.

Preheat your oven to 350 degree F.

On a greased cookie sheet or using parchment paper, drop dough from a teaspoon to make small mounds about 2 inches apart on your cookie sheet.

Bake for 12-15 minutes.