Step 1

In a very large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, the butter or margarine, the sugars, the eggs, and the vanilla.

Step 2

Add to the mixing bowl the flour, the leavenings, the oats, the nuts, the coconut, the chocolate chips, and the M & M candies.

Step 3

Drop dough by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. To make extra large cookies, drop by ice cream scoopfuls.

Step 4

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes, longer for large cookies. Remove, and cool on wire racks.