Chocolate Haystack Cookies

The cookie jar is empty again........    These cookies are almost like a candy and you can have them ready in about 10 minutes.   This is my mom's recipe but I think everyone has one very close!  Kids always love to make and eat these.


1 1/2 cup gran. sugar
5 tbsp cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
3 cups quick cooking Quaker Oatmeal
1 cup large coconut
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
Get your cookie sheets ready - cover with wax paper or parchment paper to put the hot cookies on. You need 1 large and 1 small one.
In a medium size saucepan combine the cocoa and sugar and add the milk slowly while stirring.  Heat over low until the sugar dissolves.   Bring to a quick boil and add shortening and oats, stir briskly.  Do not burn, turn down to medium heat.  Cook 1 to 2 minutes for the oats, stirring constantly.   Remove from heat and add the coconut, vanilla and salt - mix well.
Drop by large spoonful onto the covered cookie sheets and then put into refrigerator for about 1 hour to cool completely and harden.   Cookies lift off easily for storage in cookie jar.   If they have 3 cups of oatmeal they can't be all bad for you can they???