3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Cream shortening and sugar. Add unbeaten eggs and flavoring. Mix well. Roll out thin on floured board. If necessary add a little more flour. Cut into shape of St. Nicholas with a Santa Claus cookie cutter.

Bake at 375 degrees (moderate oven) for 6 to 7 minutes. Oven temperatures vary. The thinner the cookies, the faster they bake.

Yield: 4 to 5 dozen, depending on size of cookie cutters.

If desired, glaze the cookies with a mixture of 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water, several drops of red food coloring and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Tips: Dough can be stored in refrigerator and rolled out and baked the next day. These cookies freeze well and can be decorated in a variety of ways.