MAPLE PECAN COOKIES

1 cup shortening 

1/2 cup butter, softened 

2 cups packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp maple flavoring

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp bakiing soda

1 pkg (10 to 12-oz) vanilla or white baking chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs, one aat a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and maple flavorings. Combine the flour and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the chips and pecans.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 359 degrees 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 2 minutes on pan before removing to wire racks to cool completely. After cookies are cooled, frost with the following frosting:

Frosting:

1/4 cup butter, softened

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tsp maple flavoring

3 to 5 tbsp milk

1 1/2 cups pecan halves for garnish, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, flavoring and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost each cookie with 1 teaspoon frosting and top with a pecan half. 

Yield: 7 dozen cookies

TOH photo