Chinese Almond Cookies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups shortening
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon almond extract
72 sliced almonds, or whole

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Sift flour with sugar, soda salt and cinnamon into a large bowl or food processor by pulsing 3-4 times. Mix in shortening and knead thoroughly (8 to 10 minutes by hand 60 second to 1 minute with food processor).
Combine egg and almond extract; stir into flour mixture. Mix well.
Shape into balls using 1 tablespoon of dough.
Place on ungreased baking sheets and make a depression in the top with the thumb. Press a blanched whole or sliced almond into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
Makes six dozen.