Ethel's Sugar Cookies

A classic recipe, originally found in Betty Crocker's New Picture Cook Book (1961). This was our base for the Halloween "pumpkin cookies" that we grew up making and decorating each October. The tradition lives on with my family.

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons vegetable shortening
6 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Cream together shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture. Combine.

2. Chill 1 hour.

3. Roll out and cut. Bake at 400 for 6-8 minutes.

4. Decorate with orange frosting, M&Ms, licorice laces and candy corn.