Christmas Stars

COOKIES

 * 1 	cup	Solid shortening (NOT butter)
 * 2/3 	cup	granulated sugar
 * 2 	eggs
 * 1 	tbsp	salt
 * 1 	tbsp	vanilla
 * 1 	tbsp	almond flavoring
 * 2 3/4 	cup	flour

FROSTING

 * 1 1/2 	cup	powdered sugar
 * 2 	tbsp	cream or milk
 * 1 1/2 	tbsp	vanilla (not Mexican unless you like tan frosting)
 * food coloring

Directions

 * 1) Cream together the shortening and Sugar.
 * 2) Beat in the eggs, salt and flavorings.
 * 3) Stir in the flour until blended.
 * 4) Chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two.
 * 5) Preheat oven to 375 °F.
 * 6) Roll out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1⁄4 inch.
 * 7) Cut with the cookie cutters of your choice (this was always a cause for argument in our family).
 * 8) Bake on ungreased cookie sheets until tan around the edges, about 8-10 minutes.
 * 9) Allow to cool.
 * 10) Make the frosting by beating together the Sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth.
 * 11) Divide and color each portion.
 * 12) Frost the cookies.
 * Notes:
 * Yield: 2-4 dozen.
 * these cookies are about the only ones i know that taste better cooked and cold than as raw dough.
 * cinnamon red hots make good eyes for animals or santas.
 * difficulty: easy to moderate.
 * time: 15 minutes preparation, 2 hours chilling, 15 minutes rolling and baking.
 * precision: measure the ingredients.