Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies (with oatmeal)

1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg unbeaten
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp hot water
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup chopped nuts if desired
1 cup chocolate chips

Cream together shortening, brown sugar and vanilla. Beat until quite fluffy. Add unbeaten egg. Blend until well mixed. Add baking soda dissolved in the hot water. Add dry ingredients and mix all.
Drop onto pan with spoon and cook 10 minutes at 350.
ENJOY!