1 cup shortening
1 cup milk
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup water, divided
1/4 cup cold water, divided
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, stir together the shortening, milk, sugar and egg. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture just until combined; set aside.
In a very large bowl, stir together the 2 cups of flour, salt and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Fold in the 1/2 cup of flour mixture. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of water; cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before serving. Top with chopped walnuts if desired.