2/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 egg
4 teaspoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar and orange peel. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. On a lightly floured surface, roll Out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with 2-1/2 inch cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake at 375°F for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

FROSTING:

1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon va11illa extract
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 to 4 tablespoons orange juice
Yellow food coloring, optional

In a mixing bowl, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, orange peel and enough orange juice to achieve spreading consistency. Add food coloring if desired. Frost cookies.

Makes about 3-1/2 dozen.

Submitted by: LISA POOLE