Shamrock Cookies

1 cup shortening (at least half butter)
1 cup sifted confectioner's sugar
1 egg
1-2 tsp. peppermint flavoring (we substituted almond)
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. green food coloring

Heat oven to 375. Mix shortening, sugar, egg, and flavoring thoroughly. Stir in flour, salt and food coloring. Shape shamrocks by pressing 3 (or 4) small balls together with fingertips. Shape stem and attach. Or roll out and cut with shamrock cookie cutter. Sprinkle with green decorator's sugar, if desired. Bake about 9 minutes. Makes 9 dozen cookies.