**Just like grandma used to make**

Makes 3 dozen cookies

1 ¼ C. flour, sifted
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. baking powder
½ C. shortening *(see note below)
½ C. peanut butter, any kind, although natural is the best
½ C. granulated sugar
½ C. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg

**note: there are a few substitutes you can use instead of shortening. You can also use butter, which will give you a similar taste, but the cookies will be crispier. If you want a chewy cookie, use the shortening. Also, if you want to be healthier, you can use ¼ C. of canola oil. The flavor is not quite as good, but you are cutting out some unhealthy fats. This is also why natural peanut butter is recommended. The flavor of the cookies will not change, but they will be healthier, as they will not contain partially-hydrogenated oils.

To prepare the cookies:

Pre-heat oven to 375F Grease one or two cookie sheets. Combine the first three ingredients in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, combine the shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter. Use a beater to blend until creamy. At this point, you can blend in the egg and the vanilla. Stir in the ingredients that were set aside, until well-blended. Create balls with the dough, about ¾” to 1” in diameter, and place them on the cookie sheet with one inch space between each ball. If you like bigger cookies, that is fine, you can make them whatever size you want. Flatten each cookie with a fork, and then sprinkle them with some white granulated sugar. Bake until just slightly golden on the corners, which is usually about 10-12 minutes. Like any kind of cookie, the amount of time they are cooked for is very very important. If you cook them even one minute too long, they will not taste as good, so once they are nearly ready, make sure to keep an eye on them.

Other than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, these cookies are probably the most popular of all peanut butter recipes. The are a true classic….enjoy!!!