Grandma Melba's Carrot/Orange Cookies

Melba Groneman made these.   I got the recipe from Saundra.   They're really nummy. 

HOW TO MAKE:

• 1-1/2 cup sugar

• 1-1/2 cup shortening

• 2 eggs

Cream the above ingredients together then add:

• 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 normal carrots)

• 4 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups nuts

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 2 tablespoons grated orange peel

The dough looks too dry but it's not.  Roll into balls about 1" - 1.5" in diameter then bake at 375° for 11 minutes.   They won't look done but they are.  When cool, top with Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 pound powdered sugar

• 1 cube butter (1 cup)

• 2-3 teaspoons vanilla

• 1 teaspoon milk

• Grated orange peel to taste

Mix the softened butter and vanilla together well.  Add the powdered sugar and orange peel.