2 c. white sugar
1 c. shortening
1 c. buttermilk
4 c. flour
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
3 eggs

Dissolve baking soda in milk. In a bowl, combine sugar, shortening, eggs and vanilla. Blend with mixer. Add flour and buttermilk, then knead the dough, adding 2 additional cups of flour. Refrigerate 1 hour. Roll out and cut with cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle sugar on top of cookie. (May decorate with raisins, if desired.)

Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes.