(Dad's favorite Christmas-time cookie)
2 ¾ C. sifted all-purpose flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 C. vegetable shortening
1¼ C. sugar
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 T. ground cinnamon
2 T. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt onto wax paper. Beat shortening and sugar till light and fluffy in a large bowl with an electric mixer; add egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture.
Combine remaining 2 T. sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Roll dough between palms of hands, one level T. at a time, into round balls; roll each ball in sugar mixture. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake in a hot oven (400 F.) 8 minutes or till lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Note: It seems important to cream the shortening and sugar for at least 2 minutes, by the clock, to get the right texture. Do not subsitute margarine or butter for the shortening.
My mother dislikes nutmeg, so I always roll some of these in plain sugar for her.
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