Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening1 cup packed brown sugar2 large eggs, room temperature2/3 cup canned pumpkin1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon ground ginger1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/2 cup chopped walnutsORANGE FROSTING:3 tablespoons shortening2-1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar3 tablespoons orange juice1 tablespoon grated orange zestCandy pumpkins or orange and green frosting, optional
Preparation
In a large bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ginger and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts.
Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat the shortening, confectioners’ sugar, orange juice and zest until blended. Frost bars; cut into squares. If desired, top with candy pumpkins or decorate with colored frosting.
