Oatmeal Sandwich Cremes

One thing that I really love about food is that there is food for every season. Fall and winter are especially fun because you really get to work your way into the wonderful comfort foods that warm our body and soul. So when looking for something to make for my daughter's preschool, I wanted to make something that would be appropriate for fall weather, but fun for kids as well.

Oatmeal Raisin cookies are so wonderful for the fall. They are earthy, dense and comforting with the rich flavor of cinnamon and brown sugar. And of course, you add filling and you have a kid pleaser on your hands. I will warn to you adults though, the cookies are very sweet by themselves, so if you are making them for yourselves, you may be completely satisfied subtracting the filling! Happy Fall!

3/4 cups shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups self rising flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats
3/4 cups raisins

FILLING
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
3-3/4 cups confectioners sugar
2 TBS milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, water and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and cinnamon; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in oats and raisins.
2. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a greased glass. Bake at 325 for 13-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
3. Combine filling ingredients in a large bowl; beat until smooth. Spread on the bottom of half of the cooled cookies; top with the remaining cookie.