Basic Cookie Dough

Sift flour, baking soda and salt onto waxed paper. Beat shortening, butter and sugars until well mixed. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until soft dough forms. Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Shape into rolls about 1 1/2" in diameter.

Wrap each in foil and freeze. OR, if you prefer, flavor the 6 different portions according to the notes that follow. Slice frozen rolls about 1/4" thick. Arrange cookies 2" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375F degrees for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Variations:

Chocolate Chip (or other "chip"): Mix 1/2 cup chips into one sixth of master recipe dough. Shape and freeze.

Coconut Cookies: Mix 1/2 cup flaked or toasted coconut into one sixth of master recipe dough. Shape and freeze. Slice and bake as directed. Makes 30 cookies.

Nutty Cookies: Mix 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, walnuts or peanuts into one sixth of master recipe dough. Shape and freeze.

Spicy Cookies: Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or mace or 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice into one sixth of the master recipe dough. Shape and freeze.

Chocolate Cookies: Mix 1 square melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate into one sixth of the master recipe dough. If desired, add 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts. Shape and freeze.

Cherry Cookies: Mix 1/4 cup finely chopped candied cherries (both red and green are nice for Christmas) in one sixth of the master dough. Shape and freeze.

Butterscotch or Maple Cookies: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of butterscotch or maple flavoring into one sixth of the master recipe dough. Shape and freeze.