Icebox Cookies

• 1 cup shortening – lard, butter, or margarine
• 2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 to 3½ cup sifted bread flour
• 1 tsp. soda
• ½ tsp. salt

Cream shortening, add sugar gradually and cream thoroughly. Add beaten eggs and vanilla, then sifted dry ingredients. The dough should be stiff enough to handle, but do not add too much flour. Use plain or divide into two parts and vary by adding finely chopped nuts, chopped raisins, or dates, shredded coconut, spice mixture, or melted chocolate. Shape into rolls or press into loaves in a bread pan. Chill overnight or for several hours – until hard and cold. Bring out one roll at a time and slice very thin with a sharp knife. Bake in a hot oven until lightly browned.