1 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, well beaten
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins (use 1 cup total): Nuts, chocolate chips. maraschino cherries, coconut
    or raisins, optional

Cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs. Mix well. Sift flour, then measure. Sift flour with baking soda, cream tartar and salt. Add to wet mixture. Add vanilla extract and whatever add-ins you desire (optional). Chill dough.

Roll dough into small balls. Press with fork. Bake on Pam sprayed cookie sheets at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes.