• 1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2 c. shortening
• 1 c. sifted powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• egg yolk paint (see below for recipe)

1. Cream butter and shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well.
2. Add egg and vanilla.
3. Combine flour and salt; stir into creamed mixture.
4. Divide dough in half; wrap in waxed paper and chill at least 1 hour.
5. Roll half of dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured large cookie sheet; keep remaining dough chilled.
6. Cut dough into desired shapes; remove excess dough.
7. Using a small paint brush, paint assorted designs on cookies with egg yolk.
8. Bake at 357 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.
9. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool completely on wire rack.
10. Repeat with remaining dough.

    Yield: 2 1/2 dozen.

Egg Yolk Paint

• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 tsp. water
• assorted colors of paste food coloring

1. Combine egg yolk and water; mix well.
2. Divide mixture into several custard cups; tint as desired with paste food coloring.
3. Keep paint covered until ready to use.
4. If thickens; add a few drops of water.