Oatmeal M&M Cookies

A friend linked me to this recipe on Allrecipes a few years ago. Its got great flavor (especially if you have the almond extract to add!) and kids love the M&M's. One thing I like is that M&M's, or some version of them (Smarties, etc), are pretty easy to get world wide. I used to eat a knock-off called M&K's in Nigeria when I was a kid. I might wouldn't use those! Anyway, these are a great alternative to cookies calling for chocolate chips, which are either hard to get, expensive, or involve time chopping up Dove chocolate bars for a substitute! But they are downright good no matter what. I've actually already doubled the original recipe to share this with you because otherwise there just aren't enough!

Oatmeal M&M Cookies
1 cup shortening (or butter or margarine)
1 1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (opt)
3 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant)
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1+ cup M&M's (I use 3-4 small bags), more or less to preference

Preheat oven to 375F (195C). In a large bowl, cream shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and extracts until well blended. Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the M&M's and drop by the spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.