Canton Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup shortening (at room temperature)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup almonds, blanched

Directions

1. 1

   Mix flour, sugar, salt and baking soda.

2. 2

   Add shortening; cut in until mixture resembles cornmeal.

3. 3

   Add egg, vanilla extract and almond extract.

4. 4

   Mix until egg is absorbed and mixture is smooth.

5. 5

   Shape into 3/4-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten each cookie with a flour-dipped fork; press an almond into the center.

6. 6

   Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a pale golden brown. Remove from baking sheet; cool on rack.