Ricotta Cheese Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

Mix ingredients together, adding the flour in last in small amounts while you stir. The cookie dough will get very stiff. Shape into balls using a teaspoon or tablespoon. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes.

When cool, decorate with your favorite icing.

Yield: 8 dozen teaspoon size cookies or 4 dozen tablespoon size cookies.

NOTE: To make colored cookies add paste food coloring to the dough.