Hamtramck Star

This recipe was probably Agatha Viola Avery's, my great-great-grandmother. She was born in 1869 on a farm in Jamestown, Michigan. The recipe has been modified slightly -- shortening has been substituted for lard. She was also known to use bacon grease instead.

1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. lemon extract in 1 c. sour milk
(add up to 1 tbsp. white vinegar if milk isn't sour and let stand 10 min.)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream the sugar, brown sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and vanilla. Mix in remaining ingredients. Roll out on a floured surface. Cut into desired shapes. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 12-15 minutes or until brown around the edges. Sprinkle with sugar.