Valentine Dessert: Almond Cookies

Almond Cookies

1/2 C butter (1 stick)
1 C vegetable shortening
1 1/2 C. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 t. almond extract
3 3/4 C flour
2 1/2 t. baking soda
3/4 t salt
36 whole blanched almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter, shortening, sugar to fluffy. Add eggs and almond extract and beat until smooth.
Sift flour, baking soda, salt and stir into butter mixture. Knead with hands and make a stiff, smooth dough.
Form dough into 1 1/2 in. balls and place 3 inches apart on a buttered baking sheet.
Flatten with hand and center a whole almond on each cookie.
Bake 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned on bottom but very pale on top.
Cool on racks.