Jewel Cookies

Photo: flickr user avlxyz

Ingredients

cup ½ shortening

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 egg

cup ¼ buttermilk or milk

teaspoon ½ soda

teaspoon ½ salt

1 cup ¾ flour

cup ½ chopped pecans

1 cup diced mixed candied fruits

Orange glaze (see below)

Preparation

Cream shortening and brown sugar. Add egg, buttermilk, soda and salt. Stir in flour, pecans and fruits. Chill 1 hour. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto lightly-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly brown.

Orange glaze: mix ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup orange juice and ¼ tsp cream of tartar in a small saucepan and boil until the mixture is clear. Allow this to cool, then stir in ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp grated orange zest.