SPRITZ COOKIES WITH SHORTENING RECIPES

Steps:

• For the cookies: Using a stand mixer, cream the shortening, granulated sugar, orange peel and vanilla thoroughly, about 2 minutes. Add in the egg and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 more minute. Add in the milk and mix.
• Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together, and then blend into the cream mixture. Divide the dough in half (thirds if you double your recipe), slightly flatten between 2 sheets of waxed paper and refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 20 minutes).
• Roll out the dough 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Transfer the shapes to lightly greased cookie sheets and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
• For the egg yolk glaze: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. While the dough is chilling, combine the egg yolk, 1 teaspoon water and food coloring. Paint the cookies (with a soft brush) with the egg yolk glaze.
• Bake the cookies for 6 to 7 minutes. Do not allow the cookies to brown. The cookies will be slightly puffed and the glaze will look crackled. Bake in 2 batches if you don't reroll the scraps.
• For the decorative white icing: While the cookies are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk and egg whites. Make sure that it is thick and somewhat retains its shape.
• Remove the cookies from the oven to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Then, using a pastry bag or zip-top bag, pipe the cookies with the white icing to decorate.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350. Line two greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans with waxed paper and grease the paper. Set aside., In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs and oil. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds; beat on medium for 2 minutes., Spread batter into prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the centers come out clean, 12-15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely. Gently peel off waxed paper., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and cool to room temperature., In the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Add milk mixture; beat on high until fluffy, 10-15 minutes., Place one cake on a large cutting board; spread top with frosting. Top with remaining cake. Cut into squares. Refrigerate leftovers.