Hsing Jen Ping (Chinese Almond Cookies) 1 c. shortening 1 c. white or turbinado sugar 1 egg* 1 teaspoon almond extract 3 c. unbleached white flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt

Red food coloring, almond halves, and/or sugar for garnish top of each cookie.
*Use 2 eggs at high elevation

Cream shortening with1 c. sugar until light. Add egg(s) and extract and mix well. Sift flour, soda, and salt together, then mix well with other ingredients.

Shape into 1" balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Note: Cookies can be placed close together, since they don't spread much. Flatten each slightly by pressing center with thumb. Dip end of chopstick into red food coloring and touch top of each cookie, or garnish each with almond half or a pinch of sugar.

Bake in preheated 375° oven for 10 minutes. Note: Cookies do not brown. Makes 4 1/2 dozen.