OATMEAL CHERRY COOKIES

Oatmeal Cherry Cookies

2 cups margarine, softened
2 cups brown sugar (packed)
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
4 cups quick-cooking or old fashioned oats, uncooked
3 cups dried tart cherries
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels

Put margarine, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to egg mixture, beating until smooth. Add cherries and chocolate chips, mixing until combined.

Portion with a No. 40 scoop onto a lightly greased 18 x 26 x 1-inch full sheet pan. Bake at 375 degree F in a conventional oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Let cool 1 minute; remove to wire rack to cool completely. Store in a tightly covered container.

Yields 96 cookies.