2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
6 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixer bowl beat butter and shortening until butter is softened. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla and beat well. Add flour mixture and beat until well mixed. Divide dough in 1/2. Cover and chill at least 3 hours until easy to handle.

Roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 375 degree oven for 7-8 minutes until done. Remove and cool. If desired, pipe on creamy decorative icing with decorating bag and decorate with candies. Makes 36-48 cookies.

CREAMY DECORATIVE FROSTING:

1 egg white
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 to 2 c. sifted powder sugar
Food coloring; optional

In a small mixing bowl, beat 1 egg white, the 2 teaspoons lemon juice and enough powdered sugar to make icing of piping consistency. If desired stir in several drops of food coloring.