Maple Nut Drops
3 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped pecans
Frosting:
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
Sift flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together. Cream butter and shortening together; add eggs, maple syrup and maple flavoring. Blend in dry ingredients, mixing well. Add 1/4 cup boiling water and mix well. Stir in dates and pecans. Chill for at least 1 hour. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Cool. Yield: About 4 1/2 dozen.
To make frosting, melt butter in saucepan. Add cream, vanilla, and syrup. Mix well. Blend in sugar; beat until smooth. Frost cookies.
Foods Native to the Americas: Maple syrup, pecans