Ethel's Sugar Cookies

My mom made sure that there were always plenty of Christmas cookies in the house.  She made many different kinds and had many strategic hiding places; there always seemed to be some more cookies in the freezer.  I don't seem to have her energy, but we do manage to  crank out some of "Ethel's Sugar Cookies" every year.  Who is Ethel?  Maybe my mom knows.

 Thirteen years ago I asked her for copies of all of her Christmas cookie recipes.

 Ethel's Sugar Cookies

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Mix thoroughly: 3/4 cup soft butter (part shortening if you want--I don't), 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Add: 2 and 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Chill for a short time (my mom and I don't always do this), roll, cut, and put on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Sugar if you want and then  6-10 minutes depending on your oven.  Or, wait until they are baked and frost them.

Thanks, Ethel!

We have a pretty new snowflake cookie cutter from my sweet sister-in-law, Grace.