Almond cookies-cooking of china

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
  
       Title: Almond Cookies-Cooking of China
  Categories: Cookies
       Yield: 1 servings
  
       1 c  Lard or solid shortening
     1/2 c  Granulated sugar
     1/4 c  Firmly packed brown sugar
       1    Egg
       1 ts Almond extract
   2 1/4 c  All-purpose flour; unsifted
     1/8 ts Salt
   1 1/2 ts Baking powder
            About 60 whole blanched
            -almonds
       1    Egg yolk
       2 tb Water
  
   Recipe by: The Cooking of China
       In a large bowl, cream lard and both sugars until fluffy. Add egg and
   almond extract; beat until well blended. Sift flour with salt and baking
   powder. Add to creamed mixture; mix well. To shape each cookie, roll 1 tbsp
   of dough into a ball.  Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking
   sheets.  Gently down on each ball, making a 2-inch round. Press an almond
   in center of each round.
        In a small bowl, beat egg yolk with water; brush mixture over top of
   each cookie.   Bake in a 350 oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly
   browned.  Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool completely. Store in
   an airtight container. Makes about 60 cookies.
      SESAME COOKIES: Follow directions for Almond Cookies, but substitute
   about 1/4 cup sesame seeds for almonds. To shape each cookie, roll a ball
   of dough between your palms to make a 2-inch round. Brush egg yolk mixture
   on one side of each round, then dip coated side in sesame seeds. Place
   cookies on baking sheets seeded side up.
  
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