ITALIAN CHOCOLATE COOKIES

1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup melted shortening
3 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa power
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of allspice
Pinch of cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips
1/2 cup nut meats (or 1/2 cup raisins)
confectioner's sugar mixed with small amount of milk (to make a glaze)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease cookie sheets.

Put the milk in a medium saucepan, add sugar and stir. Add the hot melted shortening, stirring occasionally (not over heat).

Into a bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, soda, baking powder, spices, and salt. Mix together. Add milk mixture, stirring until most of the lumps are dissolved. Than add vanilla and mix well. Let rest 15 minutes.

Take dough by teaspoonful. Shape into a ball and roll in nuts and chocolate chips. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake in 400 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or when cookies are still soft when touched. Cool thoroughly, then brush with confectioner's glaze.

Makes 5 to 6 dozen cookies
Source: Newspaper clipping (possibly Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) from an old recipe box of clippings that I purchased at a garage sale!