SUGAR COOKIES:
Sift to-gether first 3 ingredients. In another bowl mix shortening and next 3 ingredients, untill creamy.Mix in flour mixture alternately with milk; Chill dough thoroughly,(you can hurry this by placing it in the freezing compartment). Start heating oven to 400 degree. On lightly floured cloth-covered board, with stockinet-covered rolling pin, roll half or third of dough at a time, keeping rest chilled. For crisp cookies, roll dough paper thin. For softer cookies, roll ¼ in. thick. Cut in desired shapes with floured cutter. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet, ½ in. apart. If desired, glaze by brushing tops of cookies with cream: then sprinkle with white or colored sugar, chopped nuts, cinnamon and sugar, bits of candied fruit, etc. Bake until delicately brown- about 6 minutes.