1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 c. mashed bananas (about 2)
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 c. nuts, chopped
Lemon Butter Icing or Browned Butter Icing (below)

Mix shortening, sugar, eggs and banana. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover; chill about 1 hour. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonsful about 2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes; cool. Frost with Lemon Butter Icing. Yield: 3 1/2 dozen.

LEMON BUTTER ICING:

1/3 c. soft butter
3 c. confectioners sugar
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel

Blend butter and sugar; stir in lemon juice and peel. Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.

OR:

BROWN BUTTER ICING:

Before blending, brown butter in saucepan over medium heat until delicate brown. Substitute milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla for the lemon juice and peel (from Lemon Butter Icing recipe above).