1. Cream butter and shotening; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg and vanilla, beating well.
2. Combine flour and salt; stir into creamed mixture. Chill dough at least 1 hr.
3. ** Egg Yolk Paint **
Combine egg yolk and water; stir well. Divide mixture into several custard cups; tent as desired with food coloring. Keep paint covered until ready to use. If paint thickens, add a few drops of water and stir well.
Yield: 1 1/2 teaspoons.
4. Divide dough in half; store 1 portion in fridge. Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 2 inch cookie cutter, and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Using a small paintbrush, paint assorted designed on cookies iwht Egg Yolk Paint.
5. **A rubber stamp can be used to impress an image onto the cookie; then use the paint to fill in the impression.**
Idea from the December 2006 issue of Country Living Magazine!
6. Bake at 375 for 9 - 10 min or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Repeat procedures with remaining dough.
Yield: 5 1/2 dozen
