Basic Icebox Cookies

2 cups sugar1 cup shortening
2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 1/2 cups sifted flour
With an electric mixer, cream shortening, add sugar, add eggs one at a time and beat until fluffy after each addition. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, add in three portions, combining thoroughly after each addition.
Roll dough into a log, 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in clear plastic wrap. Chill for at least 8 hours until firm enough to cut into cookies 1/8 inch thick. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet, Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Variations
Press 3 almond slices on the face of each cookie before baking.
Substitute brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Substitute 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of nuts finely ground
Add 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to dry ingredients for a spicy cookie
Add up to 1 cup of chopped candied or dried fruit along with dry ingredients.
Add 3 squared of melted bakers chocolate to batter after eggs are blended
Fudge Frosting or filling for a sandwich6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bits1/4 cup creammelt chocolate in cream over low heat stirring constantly. Cool to spreading consistency, and spread onto cool cookie and serve open face or sandwich.
Glaze each cookie with a satin sheen
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup water
Combine ingredients in a saucepan stirring over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil without boiling until mixture to 236 degrees. Dip cooled cookies quickly into glaze and place on cookie rack to dry.
Glaze
Using dried egg white sufficient to equal 2 egg whites (according to package directions)
Mix with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/3 cup of sugar. Beat until foamy. Brush over unbaked cookies. Sprinkle with colored sugars if desired.
Rolled Cookies may be rolled and cut into any shapes, iced or served plain. These savory cookies may be garnished but do not deserve a frosting.
This recipe may be used with your choice of freshly ground herbs, basil, mint, sage, rosemary. These are great served for tea, travel well and are just a bit out of the ordinary.