Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl
cream together the shortening and 2 cups sugar until smooth. Stir in the eggs
one at a time
then the vanilla. Combine the flour
baking powder
baking soda
cream of tartar and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk until well blended. Place big heaping tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets about 3 inches apart. Sprinkle each cookie with some of the remaining sugar.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven
until edges begin to turn golden. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks. When cool
