1 cup sugar
2 cups butter
4 egg yolks
1 tsp. almond
1 tbsp. Amaretto (optional)
pinch of salt
4 cups flour
chopped almonds

Beat together butter and sugar until light. Add remaining ingredients to make a stiff dough.

Dough may need to be adjusted by adding a tablespoon or so of flour at a time until dough can be rolled, or a teaspoon of water at a time if dough is crumbly.

Roll out thin, then cut out with star shaped cutters (or other favorite shapes). Dip cookie cutters in flour before each cut to prevent sticking.

Brush egg whites over tops. Combine sugar and finely chopped almonds on a shallow dish and dip the cookies into this mixture before baking.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-12 minutes or until lightly golden (baking time depends on your oven and size of cookies).

Variation: Use chopped macadamia nuts, walnuts, pecans or pistachios to make different cookies.