Kitchen Tip : Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water; it's faster and it uses less energy.
Kitchen Tip : Match the size of the pan to the heating element; more heat will get to the pan and less will be lost to the surrounding air or found by the pan handle! A 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner will waste over 40 percent of the energy.
Beat shortening for 30 seconds. Add sugar & beat till light & fluffy. Mix in the oats. Dissolve soda in water & set aside. Mix in the vanilla & salt. Add the flour, mixing alternately with the water. Ensure that it is well mixed. Roll out dough on a floured board to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 375F on a cookie sheet for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Posted by Mark Satterly in Intercook