MIND CLUTTER

1/2 CUP BUTTER FLAVOR CRISCO
1 PACKAGE (3 OUNCES) CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED
1 TABLESPOON MILK
1/4 CUP FIRMLY PACKED BROWN SUGAR
1/2 CUP APRICOT PRESERVES
1 1/4 CUP APP-PURPOSE FLOUR
1 1/2 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
1 1/2 TEASPOON CINNAMON
1/4 CUP COARSELY CHOPPED PECANS OR FLAKE COCONUT
FROSTING
1 CUP CONFECTIONERS SUGAR
1/4 CUP APRICOT PRESERVES
1 TABLESPOON BUTTER FLAVOR CRISCO FINELY CHOPPED PECANS OR FLAKE COCONUT (OPTIONAL)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking sheet with butter. Set aside.
2. Cream 1/2 cup butter flavored crisco, cream cheese, and milk in medium bowl at medium speed with mixer until well blended.
3. Beat in brown sugar and 1/2 cup preserves.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
5. Mix into creamed mixture. Stir in 1/2 cup nuts.
6. Drop 2 level measuring tablespoons of dough into a mound to form each cookie.
7. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
8. Bake at 350 for 14 minutes.
9. Cool on baking sheet one minute them move to cooling rack.
10. cool completely before frosting.
11. FOR FROSTING, combine confection sugar.
12. 1/4 cup preserves and 1 table spoon butter flavored crisco in small mixing bowl.
13. Beat with electric mixer until well blended. Frost cooled cookies.
14. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over frosting, if desired.