2/3 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely diced peeled tart apple
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir half into the creamed mixture. Stir in apple, walnuts if desired and the remaining dry ingredients. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 3-inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets.

Bake at 375°F for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Makes 3-1/2 dozen.

Submitted by: Barbara Miller