Apple Cookies with Vanilla Glaze

Spiced apple cookies with chopped nuts and raisins, along with a vanilla glaze.

INGREDIENTS:

·        2 cups all-purpose flour, stirred before measuring

·        1 teaspoon baking soda

·        1/2 teaspoon salt

·        1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·        1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

·        1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·        1/2 cup shortening

·        1 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed

·        1 egg

·        1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

·        1 cup finely chopped unpeeled apple

·        1 cup raisins, chopped

·        1/4 cup milk or juice

·        Vanilla Glaze, below

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PREPARATION:

Sift flour with baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar; beat in egg until well-blended. Stir in half of flour and spice mixture, then stir in walnuts, apple, and raisins. Blend in milk, then remaining flour mixture.
Drop by rounded tablespoons of dough, about 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes, or until done. While cookies are still hot, spread thinly with Vanilla Glaze, below. Makes about 3 dozen apple cookies.

Vanilla Glaze: In a small mixing bowl blend 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar with 1 tablespoon softened butter, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, a dash of salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of half-and-half or milk.