Everything but the kitchen sink cookies

This is a recipe my aunt gave me a few years ago. What I am posting is actually a half batch, but it is all my Kitchen Aid can handle and it STILL produces about 6 dozen cookies. I really like to freeze the cookies in ziplock bags so I can pull them out a few at a time. I actually like them better cold, so even the ones I am going to eat right away I keep in the fridge.

The greatest part about this recipe is that is really isn't a recipe at all. You can add to or take out anything you like/don't like. Adjust it to suit your tastes!

Here it is:

Combine, and let curdle:
1 cup milk
2 T vinegar

Grind together (in grinder, blender, Cuisinart, etc.):
1 large whole orange (I peel it, but you can leave the peel on if you like)
1 apple, cored but not peeled
1/2 lb. raisins (just eyeball it)

Note: if using a blender, the fruit will grind up better with some liquid – I usually add the milk/vinegar during the grinding

Add: 1 cup grated carrots (or on a lazy day, grind them up with the rest)

Cook all the above over slow heat until carrots are softened. Remove from heat and allow to get cold (can put in fridge).

Cream together the following until sugar is dissolved:
1 ½ cups salad oil or shortening (can substitute part applesauce)
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs (add one at a time, beating well after each)
1 tsp. vanilla

Add cold fruit mixture to the above.

“Sift” together (or just mix well) the following, and add to above mixture:
4 cups flour (can use some whole wheat flour)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Finally, add:
4 cups quick oats
1 cup chocolate chips (I like to put in a little more than this)
1 cup chopped nuts

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-11 minutes.