1/3 cup margarine or butter
1/3 cup shortening
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
1 tblsp. milk
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash salt

Beat margarine and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half the flour, the egg, sugar, milk, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Beat till thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill for 3 hours.

On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon. Bake in 375 degree oven for 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned. Cool cookies on a rack.

If desired, frost cookies with powdered sugar icing, then sprinkle with decorative candies, colored sugar, or chopped nuts.

Makes 36 to 48.