1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. chopped nuts
2 tbsp. finely chopped candied cherries
Food coloring

In a large bowl cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, beat well. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture, beat until smooth. Divide dough into three parts.

Add nut to one part; add 2 or 3 drops food coloring (green); blend until smooth and even. Add cut up cherries to one part; add 2 or 3 drops red good coloring; blend until smooth. Leave on portion plain.

Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil. Pack in red dough to a smooth layer. Cover with an even layer of plain dough. Cover with a last layer of green dough. Cover with plastic wrap or foil. Chill overnight.

Lift dough from pan. Place dough on cutting board. Peel off foil. Cut dough in half lengthwise. Then slice each section into then slices. Place cookies about 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Store in airtight container.

Instead of 1 cup butter (2 sticks), you may use 1 cup Crisco shortening.

I love this one best at Christmas time. They look like Italian flags.