Beat together:

   - 3/4 cup butter

   - 2/3 cup shortening

Add and beat until combined:

   - 1 1/2 cups sugar

   - 1 Tbs baking powder

   - 1/4 tsp salt

Beat in until combined:

   - 2 eggs

   - 1 tsp vanilla

Mix in:

   - 4 cups flour

Cover and chill dough at least 2 hours (overnight okay).

Preheat oven to 300°.

Divide dough into a portion for each color and knead food coloring into each portion.

Break off small pieces and form into flower shapes. Place flowers 2 inches apart on parchment lined cookie sheets.

Bake until set with firm edges, but bottoms not yet brown (about 15 minutes). Cool on wire racks.