COOKIES:

2/3 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2-3 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour
Dash salt

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs. Dissolve soda in milk; add to sugar mixture. Add vanilla. Gradually stir in flour. Chill 30 minutes and roll out on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and bake on ungreased baking sheet for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about 5 dozen.

ICING:

2 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. shortening
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine in small bowl; add 2-4 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add food coloring for variety. Place icing in plastic zipper-type sandwich bag and cut one tip off to form pastry tube.