1 lb. soft butter
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
About 4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
Good pinch ground cinnamon or cloves
Confectioners' sugar
1 c. blanched almonds, ground

1. Melt butter. Let it settle; discard milky white residue that forms in bottom of pan.

2. Put cooled drawn butter in mixing bowl with vegetable oil. Add egg and sugar; beat until light and fluffy.

3. Sift together flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Add to egg mixture, mixing well.

4. Add ground almonds; mix well.

5. Turn out on lightly floured board. Roll out with rolling pin; shape into diamond shapes or wedding bells.

6. Bake on ungreased baking sheets in preheated 350 degree F. oven about 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

7. Remove from oven and roll in confectioners' sugar while still warm. Makes 4 1/2 dozen cookies.

NOTE: Greeks are never without Kourambiethes (butter cookies) ! Traditional, they serve the confection with wine or coffee. For bridal feasts, the wedding bells are served; for Christmas, each cookie should be garnished with clove to represent the wise man who brought the spices to the Christ child.