Banana Drama Cookies

I love drop cookies as they go together quickly and are almost always tasty,
moist little cakes of goodness. Save an overly-ripe banana by way of a cookie
ingredient and you have a win/win situation.

Banana Drama Cookies
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cups solid shortening
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup very ripe banana - well mashed
1 tablespoon freshly-grated lemon zest
1 cup chocolate chips - semisweet or milk chocolate, melted
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or used
vegetable oil spray.

Combine the sugar and shortening and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the
eggs and extracts. Add bananas and melted chocolate.

Combine the dry ingredients and stir into egg/shortening mixture.

Use a cookie scoop or drop by rounded teaspoonsfuls about 1 1//2 inches apart on
prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove to cool completely on wire
racks.

Icing
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enough milk or cream to form a usable icing.

Topping ideas
Finely chopped peanuts
Candied cherries