APPLE-WALNUT DROP COOKIES

3 cups sifted all-purpose flour (sift before measuring)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 cup soft shortening
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
3/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups finely chopped, unpared apple
1 1/2 cups dark raisins, chopped
1/3 cup apple juice or milk
GLAZE (below)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease several cookie sheets.

Sift flour with baking soda; set aside.

Mix shortening, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and eggs until well blended. Stir in half of flour mixture, then nuts, apple, and raisins. Blend in apple juice or milk, then remaining flour mixture. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto cookie sheets,
2 inches apart.

Bake 11 to 14 minutes, or until done. While cookies are still hot, spread thinly with Glaze. Decorate with bits of apple if desired.

Glaze

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (sift before measuring)
1 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk

In small bowl, combine all ingredients for the glaze; mix well. Use to glaze Apple-Walnut Drop Cookies.

Makes 3 1/2 to 4 dozen
Source: McCall's Great American Recipe Cards; 1973 edition;
Card #3m Country-Fairs - Apple-Walnut Drop Cookies