Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Gone Apple Pickin'

So along with all of us lover's of fall, I went apple picking yesterday with my dear friend Elizabeth. There is a charming little orchard that is right outside of my hometown that we always go to. I have such fond memories of riding in the back of my mom's station wagon with the door open driving through the orchard.

My usual plan of attack when I have a bunch of apples on hand is to make an apple pie, which I love, but I've been trying to expand my horizon.

These cookies are just great! I found the recipe in an old cookbook of my mother's that is seldom given the time of day. They are spicy and have a tender cake-like feel the them that just makes you want another one.

Glazed Fresh Apple Cookies
from The Good Housekeeping Cookbook

2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 vegetable shortening
1 1/3 brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg
1 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)
1 cup apple, peeled and finely chopped
1 cup raisins (I left these out)
1/4 cup apple juice of milk
Vanilla Glaze

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sift flour and baking soda. Mix shortening, brown sugar, spices and egg until well blended. Stir in half the flour mixture, then add the nuts, apple and if using, the raisins. Blend in apple juice or milk then add the remaining flour mixture. Onto greased cookie sheets, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart. Bake 11 to 14 minutes. While cookies are still hot, spread thinly with Vanilla Glaze.

Vanilla Glaze

1 1/2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon soft butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
a dash of cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 tablespoons milk or apple juice

Combine all ingredients together and spread on cookies.

I really liked this recipe, they are delicate and delicious. Enjoy!!

No comments: