Pumpkin cookies

Cream together in a large mixing bowl:

• 2 cups shortening
• 2 cups white sugar

Add:

• 1 - 16 oz. can pumpkin ( 2 cups)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla

Mix well.

In separate bowl mix:

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. allspice
• 1 tsp. salt
• (optional: 1/2 cup small walnut pieces)

Add to the creamed mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon until well blended.

Drop by rounded teaspoon size balls on to greased cookie sheets.  Flatten cookies slightly with wooden spoon.

Bake 12 minutes at 350. 

Makes 48 large cookies.

Frost with cream cheese frosting:

• 1 - 3oz. package of cream cheese
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Mix well.  A little milk may be needed to thin the frosting for spreading.