Baking My Way: Ranger Crispies

 These cookies are really simple to make and taste just as simple. Can't say I love them, but they're perfect for camping, throwing in your bag for a beach day or for lunch. They also work really well with puffed wheat instead of rice cereal.

1 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup margarine or butter, softened
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 ¼ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups crisp rice cereal

Heat oven to 375º F. Lightly grease cookie sheets. In large bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, margarine and shortening until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir in cereal. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 375º F for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely. 5 dozen cookies.