Apple Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This is one of those recipes that I took with me to college.  I started making these apple brownies back in high school.  And have made them once a year or so since.  I have no idea where the recipe originated, since it's written on an index card and is over 20 years old.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped Granny Smith apple
Frosting (see below)

Cream shortening, gradually adding sugar.  Add eggs one at a time.  Combine flour, salt, soda and cinnamon.  Add to creamed mixture.  Fold in apples.  Pour in 9 x 13 pan.  Bake at 350* for 25 minutes.  Remove and spread with frosting when slightly warm.

Frosting:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans (we omit these)

Cream butter and cream cheese, gradually add sugar; beat until light and fluffy.  Stir in vanilla and pecans.

Even though it isn't apple season right now, these brownies hit the spot year-round.  Enjoy!