1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 beaten egg
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
36 almond halves
1/2 c. ground almonds
1 tsp. almond extract
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp. water

Grease baking sheet. Mix shortening and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add egg, ground almonds and almond extract, and mix well.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to egg mixture, mixing well. Dough will be stiff. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Shape dough into 36 small balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Press an almond half on each ball, and flatten with palm of your hand to a 2-inch cookie.

Mix egg yolk and water in a small cup to make a glaze. Brush each cookie with glaze. Bake 20 minutes.