Chinese Almond Cookies 1 c. vegetable shortening 1/2 c. granulated sugar 1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. almond extract 2 1/4 c. all-purpose floor 1/8 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 5 dozen whole blanched almonds 1 egg yolk 2 T. water Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat shortening with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy. Add whole egg and almond extract; beat until well blended. In another bowl, stir together flour, salt, and baking powder; add to creamed mixture, blending thoroughly. To shape each cookie, roll about 1 tablespoon dough into a ball. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets, then flatten each slightly to make a 2-inch round. Gently press an almond into center of each round. Place egg yolk and water in a small bowl; beat together lightly with a fork. Brush mixture over top of each cookie with a pastry brush. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to racks and let cool. Store airtight. From the kitchen of www.christmas-cookies.com