best of the midwest

This week we had our first boozy book club meeting. As expected, we discussed the novel for a hot 10 minutes and then gossiped the rest of the time. I even read the entire thing, which I can't say for everyone (you know who you are). In honor of our selection, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson -- very good, btdubs -- I made a variation of Ms. Beulah Schott's Pride of Iowa cookies. I call them...

Son of a Preacher Man Cookies

1 cup shortening
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup organic white sugar
1/2 cup egg substitute
2 cups unbleached white flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coconut
2 1/2 tablespoons chopped almonds and peanuts
1 cup raisins
2 cups old fashioned oats
Cream shortening, sugars, and egg. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. With a spatula (or strong stand mixer, if you have one), stir in the coconut, and oats. Chop the nuts (feel free to add more and/or other varieties) and add to the mixture. Chill for 3 hours or overnight. Once chilled, scoop spoonfuls of dough and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool. Try to think of intelligent questions about the book.
Baking tunes: Fonzie's Make Out Music. I stole it from my dad. And it's awesome.