3 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts (opt.)

I get good results with 1/2 cup creamed shortening and 1/2 cup butter.

Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening. Add eggs and vanilla. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto a greased baking sheet. Flatten a bit with a wet spoon. Bake at 425 degrees until edges are golden. Cookies should be slightly like cake. These are very much like the tea cakes my mom used to make.