In a large mixing bowl beat margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for about 30 seconds till soft. Add a half of a cup of all purpose flour to the margarine. Beat till thorougly combined, scarping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat and stir in remaining flour. Remove half of the dough and mix in red food coloring and set aside. Cover the dough in the bowl and chill both portions of dough about 30 minutes or till dough is easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface , shape each each half of dough into a 12 inch long log 24 1/2 inch pieces. Roll each piece into a 4 1/2 rope. Place a red and a white rope togther side by side and twist about 4 to 5 times and make the top bend like a staff. Place on cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in the oven 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or till edges are firm and bottom is lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets and place on a wire rack to cool. Place on tray and enjoy