Shortbread

1 pound butter
1 cup sugar
4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
With an electric mixer, cream butter until almost white. Blend in sugar and beat until fluffy. Sift in salt and flour in 3 or 4 parts, completely incorporating the flour with each addition. Roll dough and press into a 9 inch square pan and cut into squares, diamonds or bars. Prick each piece with tines of a fork. Or press into a shortbread mold. Bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden, not brown.Cut cookies again after baking and separate. Makes 3 dozen