Dessert -Fresh Apple Cookies

Santa will be looking for cookies so we need to start cooking some for him.

FRESH APPLE COOKIES

1/2 cup shortening

1 & 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 cup raisins

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup finely chopped unpeeled apple

Vanilla frosting (recipe follows)

Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg and milk; beat well. Combine flour, soda, salt, and spices; add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in raisins, pecans, and apples. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls, 1 & 1/2 inches apart, onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Frost with vanilla frosting. Yield: 4 & 1/2 dozen.

Vanilla Frosting:

1 & 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 & 1/2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl; beat until smooth. Yield: enough for 4 & 1/2 dozen cookies.