In another bowl, cream shortening with electric mixer. Slowly add in sugar. Beat until light
Add beaten eggs and vanilla and mix thoroughly
Combine the dry ingredients with the cream mixture mix well, shape into ball
Chill in covered container in a refrigerator until well chilled
Decorations for gelt cookies: Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Mix with a few drops of food coloring, until you like the color. Set aside and allow to air dry
Wash pennies thoroughly in hot soapy water. Soak the pennies in the vinegar/salt solution until they are shiny. Thoroughly rinse and then dry
Returning to the cookie batter. Remove one-half of mixture from the refrigerator. Roll out 1/8 of an inch thick on a lightly floured board
Cut cookie into shapes of your choice. Then prepare the other half of the dough the same way
Brush tops of cookies with beaten egg white. Dip top of cookie in dry colored sugar. Brush back of penny with egg white
Press penny into the middle of the cookies. Place cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 6-10 minutes.
