BASIL ORANGE COOKIES

Basil Orange Cookies image

Provided by grandma2969

Time 25m

Yield 7 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 17

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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons grated orange rind
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup dried basil
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 -3 tablespoons milk
1 pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
chopped pistachio nut, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350*.
in a large mixing bowl, cream the granulated sugar and the shortening for 3 minutes.
add the eggs and continue beting until blended.
add the milk, mixing thoroughly.
sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
add to the mixture.
add the juice, rind and vanilla.
then stir in the basil by hand.
drop by heaping tspfuls onto greased cookie sheet, approximately 2" apart.
bake for 10-12 minutes or until the top springs back when touched with your finger.
remove to wire rack to cool.
to make the frosting, combine all the ingredients except the pistachio nuts in a mixing bowl.and beat until smooth --
the frosting should be rather thick, add more sugar as needed.
spread a generous smear of frosting on each cookie and sprinkle on some pistachio nuts.
pack the cookies in tins or plastic containers, using wax paper to serperate layers -- .