• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vailla extract
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablesoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped red candied cherries or chopped maraschinos
• powdered sugar

Directions

Beat shortening at medium speed of an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beatring well.  Add beaten eggs and vanilla, and beat well.

combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to egg mixture, beating well.  Stir in pecans and cherries.  Let stand 5 minutes.

Divide dough into 3 equal portions.  Place each portion 4 inches apart on greased cookie sheets; shape into 10-inch logs.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden.  Let cool 10 minutes on cookie sheets. 

Cut logs into 1/2 inch slices.  Place slices on cookie shets, cut side down.  Bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned.  Cool completely on wire racks,  sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Yield 6