For all the showers, luncheons, and girlfriend get-togethers, we offer this sweet treat that is as pretty as it is scrumptious.

Chocolate-Dipped Pistachio Lace Cookies
Makes 4 dozen cookies

1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
11/2 cups finely chopped pistachios, divided
1 (16-ounce) package white-chocolate-flavored candy coating, melted
Garnish: additional melted chocolate or chopped pistachios

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease baking sheet.
2. In medium saucepan over medium heat, combine shortening, corn syrup, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Turn off heat and stir in flour and 1 cup chopped pistachios.
3. Drop batter by teaspoonfuls 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. (Note: Cookies will spread.) Bake 5 to 7 minutes, or until lacy and lightly browned.
4. Cool 1 minute on baking sheet. Working quickly, wrap cookies one at a time around a wooden spoon handle. Remove to wire racks to cool. Repeat procedure with remaining cookie dough, warming dough over low heat if necessary.
5. Dip half of each cooled cookie in white-chocolate coating. Drizzle with additional tinted chocolate, or sprinkle with remaining pistachios, if desired.
Note: Pistachio garnish works best immediately after dipping. Set on waxed paper to cool.