Famous Fido Honey Party Cookies

Makes 36 cookies

1 cup vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup egg whites
1/4 cup honey
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 cup Cheddar cheese, finely grated
1/4 cup sesame seeds or artificial bacon bits (optional)

* for even crunchier cookies, use only 1/2 cup shortening and 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter.

In large bowl, beat shortening and butter with electric mixer on high speed until creamy. Add egg whites and honey, beating until smooth. Beat in food coloring, if desired.

Combine flour, garlic powder and cheese. Beat into shortening mixture. Gather dough into a ball. Divide it in half, then in quarters. Keep dividing until you have 36 pieces.

Flour your hands and roll pieces into balls. Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet, then use a floured fork to gently flatten them in a criss-cross design. Sprinkle them with sesame seeds or artificial bacon bits, if desired. Bake in a preheated 325 degree F oven for about 10 minutes, until firm.