Mom's Sugar Cookies, as Presented by Mom: Recipe

Mom was born in Butternut, Wisconsin, knows how to milk cows, and went to a one-room school. She can BAKE. Prior to a recent visit and by popular demand she baked her famous 1950s shortbread-like Christmas cookies shaped into stars and bells, and let me ice and decorate. Also, homemade chocolate chip cookies and her apple-cinnamon wraps were happily shared. I love my mom and just like her I am wild about cooking and eating.

Mom's Christmas Cutout Cookies
(makes 7 dozen 2-1/2-inch stars)

3 cups sifted flour
2 teaspoons bakng powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (less if your butter is salty)
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 tablespoon of milk

1. Sift flour with baking powder and salt.
2. Cream shortening and butter with sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla, egg and milk. Beat thoroughly. Add flour mixture. Mix well.
4. Chill dough for one hour for easy handling.
5. Divide into 4 portions. Roll each portion 1/8 of an inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters.
6. Bake on greased cookie sheet in moderate (375 degrees) oven, 8 to 10 minutes.