Best of Show Glazed Orange-Spice Cookies

TXOLDHAM's Note:

These won best of show 2002 cookie contest. I clipped from the newspaper.

• Total Time: 23 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 3 dozen

• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup butter , softened
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup almonds , finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons orange zest , grated
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon clove
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar , sifted
• 2⁄3; cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F Beat shortening and butter at medium speed until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.
2. Add chopped almonds and orange zest, beating well.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom. Cool slightly on baking sheet; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Combine confectioners' sugar, marmalade and orange juice; stir well. Spread on cookies and garnish with sliced almonds.