frosted orange cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Score the orange into quarters, then remove the peel.  Use a knife to remove the white pith from the orange peel and also scrape as much as possible off of the outside of the peeled orange.  Quarter the orange and put it and the orange peel into a blender.  Cover and puree until smooth, about 2 minutes (it will have a little pulp and orange zest still).
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening, butter, sugar and vanilla.  Beat in the milk and 6 tablespoons of the blended orange mixture.  Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.  Add to the cream mixture and blend until completely combined.
4. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2" apart onto one of the baking sheets.  Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.  Remove immediately to wire racks to cool.
5. For the frosting:  combine the powdered sugar, butter, 1/8 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt, and enough of the leftover orange mixture (2-3 tbsp) until it's of creamy spreading consistency.  Place waxed paper under the cookie rack, then spoon the frosting generously onto each cookie.  Let sit for a couple of hours until set.  Store in a tightly sealed container.