Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups dried tart cherries
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 -1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats, uncooked
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Put butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beatwith an electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt, if desired; add to egg mixture. Stir in oats, cherries and chocolate chips; mix well.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack to cool completely. Store in a tightly covered container.

Makes about 4 dozen.