Candy Cane Cookies I

Ingredients

• 1.5 teaspoons almond extract 
• 0.5 cup butter 
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar sifted
• 1  eggs 
• 2.5 cups flour all-purpose sifted
• 0.5 teaspoon food coloring red
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 0.5 cup shortening 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Equipment

• bowl
• oven

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Mix well the shortening and butter, sugar, egg, almond and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt and add to shortening mixture. Divide dough in half.
3. Blend red food coloring into one half.
4. Roll 1 teaspoon of the red dough and 1 teaspoon of the white dough on lightly floured board into 4 inch strips.
5. Place strips side by side and press lightly together and twist like a rope. Curve top of rope down to look like the handle of a candy cane.
6. Bake 9 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Remove while still warm.
8. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup crushed peppermint stick candy and 1/2 cup sugar (optional).