Applejack Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

This is an old recipe of my mother's that I almost forgot about. I am so glad I found it. If you want to make these cookies for children, omit the liquor. For a mixed crowd, you can add brandy or rum to some of the cookies and serve them separately from the others. For something a little different, see the glazed apple cookies in the similar and related recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening, preferably non-hydrogenated
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1-1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped, unpeeled tart apples, such as Granny Smith
• Apple brandy or dark rum (optional)

Preheat oven to 375° F. Cream together sugar and shortening. Beat in egg. Sift together dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in the apples. Drop in the shape of balls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Immediately drizzle each cookie with 4 or 5 drops of apple brandy or rum. Cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container for up to three weeks.