Caramel Apple Cookies

1/2 c. butter flavor crisco
1-1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. apple juice
2-1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 c. peeled, cored and shredded apples
5 Tblsp. finely chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting:
2-3 Tblsp. margarine
1/3 c. packed light brown sugar
2 Tblsp. water
1-1/2 c. powdered sugar
2-3 Tblsp. milk

In a large mixing bowl, cream together brown sugar and crisco. Beat in egg and 1/4 c. of the apple juice. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves. Stir to mix well. Gradually add dry ingredients to the brown sugar mixture. Mix well. Stir in remaining apple juice and shredded apples until well blended. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto a silpat lined or greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350* for 10-13 minutes or until golden. Let cool slightly then transfer to wire cooling racks. Glaze with frosting and top with walnuts.

To make frosting:
Combine margarine, brown sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat & stir until melted and sugar has dissolved. Remove pan from heat and stir in powdered sugar and enough milk to make a spreadable frosting consistency. Use immediately to glaze/frost cookies. If frosting hardens too quickly, return pan to low heat and stir to in more milk as needed.