Instructions:

Gumdrop Gems

1 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup small gumdrops, sliced, black ones removed

Cream butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract. Beat in egg.

Sift together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Gradually stir into creamed mixture. Mix well. Shape dough into roll 2 inches in diameter and 12 inches long. Wrap in wax paper. Chill several hours or overnight.

Cut into1/4-inch thick slices. Decorate tops with gumdrop slices. Bake at 375 degrees for about12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.