Kim-n-M Cookies

I really enjoy baking (and eating) these with my wife, Kim. It was one of her favorites from the days before she and I knew each other.

1 lb. bag plain M&Ms
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup shortening (softened)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)

Preparation:

Chop 1-1/2 cup M&Ms, saving the rest for later. Stir flour, baking soda and salt together in large bowl. Mix shortening and both types of sugars together until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in chopped pecans and chopped candy and mix well.

Roll into balls and flatten onto lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for six to seven minutes. Remove from oven and add a few pieces of whole candy to each cookie, then resume baking for another three minutes or until cookies are golden brown.

Yield: approximately 5 dozen