HEART-SHAPED SUGAR COOKIE TWISTS

HEART-SHAPED SUGAR COOKIE TWISTS 3/4 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla at medium speed until creamy. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, and slowly blend together. Beat until well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Divide the dough in half. Add the red food coloring to one half. Shape each color of dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to chill at least one hour. Preheat over to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside. Shape ½ tbsp - 1 tbsp of red dough into a 6- inch rope. Repeat with the plain dough. Place ropes side by side and twist together about six times. Form twisted ropes into a heart, gently pinching where the two meet. Bake for 8-9 minutes, until just golden brown on the bottoms. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.