1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. vegetable shortening
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1 lg. egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

1. With electric mixer at high speed, cream butter, shortening until soft.

2. Add sugar gradually, continuing to cream, about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.

3. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.

4. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together; add in 3 additions by hand or with electric mixer; mix well after each addition; dough will be stiff.

5. Shape dough into 2 rolls; wrap in plastic film, foil or waxed paper; refrigerate at least 1 hour.

6. Assemble and fill Gun with cookie dough fit desired Cookie Disc onto filled Barrel; attach Cap securely in place on barrel.

7. Bake 7-8 minutes at 375 degrees or until just staring to turn light golden around edges, being careful not to overbake.

8. Makes 6-7 dozen cookies.

Variations: The Basic Spritz recipe may be varied in flavor and appearance by using different spices and/or extracts, or by adding food coloring to the dough in step #3. The following 6 varieties will give you a good start.

Coffee-Maple Cookies: Substitute 2 teaspoons maple extract for vanilla; add 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder in Step #3.

Lemon Cookies: Substitute 2 teaspoons lemon extract for vanilla; add 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel in Step #3.

Eggnog Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg and sift with flour.

Raspberry-Nut Cookies: Substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut or black walnut extract for vanilla; add 2 tablespoons seedless red raspberry jam in Step #3. Sprinkle with chopped nuts before baking.

Chocolate-Almond Cookies: Decrease vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon; add 1 teaspoon almond extract and 3 tablespoons cocoa in Step #3.

Orange Cookies: Substitute 2 teaspoons orange extract for vanilla; add 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange peel in Step #3.