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 (room temperature)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup almonds, blanched

Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, salt and baking soda. Add shortening; cut in until mixture resembles cornmeal.
2. Add egg, vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix until egg is absorbed and mixture is smooth. 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.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until a pale golden brown.
4. Remove from baking sheet; cool on rack.