No Egg Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan friendly)

While baking for a family party recently I found myself needing a recipe that was vegan friendly.  This means avoiding the use of all animal related products including milk and eggs. These cookies have neither and are a good choice for those who are

 lactose intolerant as well.

Besides all of that - it is just a very good chocolate chip cookie which I've made often before even being aware of dietary restrictions.

• 1 cup soft vegetable shortening  such as Crisco (you can use butter or margarine if you are not sensitive to dairy products)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups oatmeal
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup chocolate chips

1. Cream butter and sugars, add vanilla and beat until fluffy.
2. Add the flour and salt and mix well.
3. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water and blend into mixture.
4. Stir in oatmeal, nuts and chocolate chips.
5. Drop by teaspoonful onto cookie sheets.
6. Bake at 350º F oven for 10-12 minutes.