Chinese almond cookies

Ingredients:

• Flour 3 cup
• Sugar 1 cup
• Soda 1/2 tbsp
• Salt 1/2 tbsp
• Shortening 1 1/2 c
• Egg, beaten 1
• Almond extract 1 tbsp
• Red food coloring

Method:

1. Preheat electric oven to 350 degrees F. Sift flour with sugar, soda and salt into a large bowl.
2. Mix in shortening and knead thoroughly (8 to 10 minutes). Combine egg and almond extract; stir into flour mixture.
3. Mix well. Shape into balls using 1 tablespoon of dough.
4. Place on ungreased baking sheets and make a depression in the top with the thumb.
5. Dip the blunt end of a chopstick in red food coloring
6. and press into the top of each cookie. A blanchend almond may be pressed into the center of each instead of red coloring.
7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Makes six dozen.