Chewy oatmeal nut cookies with a soft caramel candy baked in the centers.

Chewy Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening

1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1/3 cup milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts

3 dozen soft caramels

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl; set aside.
3. Combine shortening, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla in large bowl and beat at medium speed until creamy. Stir in flour mixture until just blended. Stir in nuts.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheet two inches apart and place a caramel in center - do not press down.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown around edges and caramel is completely melted. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Store in sealed container.

Makes 3 dozen.