2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
10 drops red food coloring
10 drops green food coloring

Combine flour and baking powder. In a large mixer bowl beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and peppermint extract and beat well. Add flour mixture and beat until well mixed. Divide into thirds. Stir red food coloring into one third, stir green food coloring into another, and leave remaining third plain. Cover each and chill about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

Divide each color of dough into four parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each into a 1/2 inch diameter rope. Place one red, one green, and one plain rope side by side. Twist together. Slice into 1/2 inch pieces for larger cookies or 1/4 inch pieces for smaller ones. Carefully roll into balls, blending colors as little as possible. Place about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Flatten to 1/4 inch thickness with the bottom of a glass dipped in additional sugar. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake in a 375 oven until done (allow 8 to 10 minutes for larger cookies or 6 to 8 minute for smaller ones). Remove and cool. Makes about 72 (2 1/2 inch) or 144 (1 1/4 inch) cookies.