MASTER RECIPE:

4 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. vegetable shortening
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened or butter
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour, baking soda and salt onto wax paper. Beat shortening, butter and sugars until well mixed; beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until soft dough forms. Divide dough into 6 equal portions; shape into rolls about 1 1/2" in diameter; wrap each in foil and freeze. Or, if you prefer, flavor the 6 different portions as directed in the variations that follow.

COCONUT COOKIES: Mix 1/2 cup flaked coconut into 1/6 of Master Recipe. Shape and freeze, slice and place on cookie sheet 2" apart. Bake 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

PECAN COOKIES: Mix 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, walnuts or peanuts into 1/6 of Master Recipe. Shape, freeze, slice and place on baking pan 2" apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.