Chinese Almond Cookies

Nicole Gozales Recipe

2 cups flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup butter and lard, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup (approximately) blanched
almonds
2 teaspoons water
1. In a medium-sized bowl stir together flour
And baking powder to combine thoroughly;
Set aside. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. In a mixer bowl combine butter and lard; beat
Until fluffy. Add sugar and beat until well
Combined. Blend in almond and vanilla
Extracts, then 1 egg yolk. Gradually add
Flour mixture, beating until well combined.
3. shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about
1 ½ inches apart on lightly greased baking
sheets. Slightly flatten each cookie with
fingertips; press almond into center.
4. In a small bowl beat remaining egg yolk
Wih the 2 teaspoons water until blended.
Lightly brush top of each cookie with
Egg-yolk mixture.
5. Bake until cookies are golden brown and
Feel firm when touched lightly (15-18 minutes)
Let stand on baking sheets for 1-2 minutes,
Then transfer to wire racks to cool.
Makes about forty 2 inch cookies