Dissolve baking soda in water.

Combine all ingredients and knead into smooth dough.

Divide into seven equal parts.

Cream yolks with shortening.

Cook remaining ingredients over low heat. Cool slightly and combine with creamed shortening.

Divide into six equal parts.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roll out one part of dough to 1/8-inch thickness to size of cookie sheet.

Place on reverse side of cookie sheet and bake at 350 for six to seven minutes, till lightly brown.

Spread with thin layer of cream.

Bake second layer of dough and place over cream as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Repeat procedure until all parts of dough and cream are used, ending with dough as top layer. Top with glaze (see below). Cut into one- and- a- half-inch by two-inch bars.

Combine oil with hot water. Add remaining ingredients and spread over cake.