3/4 c. shortening (part butter)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 egg yolk
1/4 tsp. water

Mix well with spoon in large bowl the shortening (part butter), sugar, eggs and vanilla. Blend in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover dough; chill at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix egg yolk and 1/4 teaspoon water with fork in small bowl. Divide mixture among custard cups. Add a few drops of food color to each to make red, green, blue, yellow and orange paint. Roll chilled dough 1/8" thick on lightly floured cloth covered board. Cut with cookie cutters or make your own interesting shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheet.

Using a different paint brush for each paint, paint designs on cookies. If paint thickens, add a few drops of water. Bake cookies 6 to 8 minutes or until light brown on edges. Cool on wire rack. Yield: 4 dozen cookies.