~Candy Cane Cookies~

2 cups butter, softened     4 1/2 cups unbleached flour 1 1/2 cups sugar             1/2 teaspoon salt 4 egg yolks                   3 tablespoons peppermint candy 2 teaspoons vanilla                      red food coloring

Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg yolks and vanilla and mix well. Sift flour and salt together and beat into butter mixture until well mixed. When ready divide dough in half. To one half, add 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring. Using about a tablespoon, roll a 4 inch strip of each color (no fatter than a pencil). Place the two colored rolls side by side and press lightly together. Gently twist like a rope and place on an ungreased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Curve the top like a candy cane and bake in a pre heated oven at 350F for about 15 minutes; do not brown.Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy. Enjoy!! Makes 20 to 30 medium Candy Cane Cookies