1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red food color

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, confectioners' sugar, egg, and flavoring. Blend in flour and salt. Divide dough in half; blend food color into 1/2. Shape 1 teaspoon dough from each half into 4 inch rope. For smooth, even ropes, roll them back and forth on lightly floured board. Place ropes, side by side. Press together lightly, roll, and twist. Complete cookies one at a time. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; Curve top of cookie down to form handle of cane.

Bake about 9 minutes or until set and very light brown. If you wish, mix 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Immediately sprinkle cookies with candy mixture. Remove from cookie sheet. Approximately 4 dozen cookies.