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

** The Famous Fido commercial baker uses Cheddar cheese powder

1. In a large bowl, beat shortening and butter with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy. Add egg whites and honey; beat until smooth. Beat in food coloring, if desired.

2. Combine flour, garlic powder and cheese. Beat into shortening mixture. Stir in more food coloring if you like.

3. Gather dough into a ball. Divide it in half, then in fourths and so on until you have 36 small pieces. Flour your hands and roll the pieces into balls. (Or, use a pastry bag to shape the cookies.) Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, then use a floured fork to gently flatten them in a crisscross design. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

4. Bake in a preheated 325'F oven until firm, about 10 minutes. (To make the cookies crunchier, after baking we turned off the heat and left them in the oven about 5 minutes, first running a spatula under each one so they wouldn't stick to the pan.)