Candy Cane Cookies

1 cup soft shortening (½ cup butter)
1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 egg
1½ tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
2½ cups sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup crushed peppermint candy

Thoroughly mix shortening, sugar, egg, and flavoring. Sift together and stir in flour and salt. Divide dough into halves. Into one half blend ½ tsp. red food coloring. Roll dough into narrow strips about 5 inches long. Place red and plain strips side by side, press lightly together and twist. Place on ungreased cooky sheet and curve one end to form handle of cane. Bake about 9 minutes or until lightly browned, in moderate oven (about 375̊). Remove from cooky sheet with a spatula and while still wa4rm sprinkle with peppermint candy and sugar.

Makes 48 cookies.