2 c. granulated sugar
1 c. shortening (not butter)
3 eggs
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
4 1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Granulated or colored sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream sugar and shortening. Beat in eggs. Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk and add to first mixture. Add vanilla. In separate bowl, stir together flour, salt and baking powder. Add to first mix. Drop by large spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle tops with colored sugar. Bake about 10 minutes.