1 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening (part butter, softened)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
Egg Yolk Paint (below)

Mix sugar, shortening, eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Roll dough to 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Paint designs on cookies with small clean paint brushes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake until cookies are delicate golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Makes 4 dozen 3 inch cookies.

EGG YOLK PAINT: Mix 1 egg yolk and 1/4 teaspoon water. Divide mixture among several small custard cups. Tint each with different food color to make bright colors. If paint thickens while standing, stir in a few drops of water.