This recipe (minus the electric mixer) is from when ingredients were scarce. The fishermen left for the day with sometimes no more than a hunk of bread for their lunch.
This was a convenient but economical way to give them a little more.

Sift dry ingredients together; set aside.
Beat butter, sugar and eggs at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
At low speed, beat in milk and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add flour and stir in until well combined.
Roll out dough on lightly floured board about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out dough with a floured round cookie cutter or a glass.
Sprinkle tops of cookies with sugar if desired.
Bake at 375 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
makes about 6 dozen