Maple Pecan Cookies

Maple Pecan Cookies

1 cup shortening

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon maple flavoring

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 package (10 to 12 ounces) vanilla or white chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

FROSTING:

1/4 cup butter, softened

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon maple flavoring

3 to 5 tablespoons milk

1- 1/2 cups pecan halves

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and maple flavoring. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla chips and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. In a bowl, cream the butter, confectioners' sugar, maple flavoring and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost each cookie with 1 teaspoon frosting; top with a pecan half. Yield: 7 dozen.