PAINTBRUSH COOKIES

Ingredients

1 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
4 1/2 cups self-rising flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 teaspoon water
Food colorings in assorted colors

Preparation

Cream shortening and butter together in a large bowl; beat in eggs. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, powdered sugar and flour. Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture, blending well. Stir in vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. On a lightly floured board, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters; arrange cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. In a small bowl, combine egg yolks and water. Divide mixture among several small cups. Tint each cup of egg mixture with a different color food coloring. Paint cookies as desired, using small paint brushes. (If yolk mixture thickens, stir in a few drops of water.) Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Makes about 70 cookies.
—Kay Peek, Limestone County