1 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 c. unsifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. almond extract

Cream butter in large mixer bowl until fluffy. Beat in sugar and eggs until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients and chill. Shape into 1 inch balls; place on wax paper, 1 inch apart; flatten with glass dipped in water, then sugar. Place cookies on wax paper in the oven.

Microwave on simmer (1/2 power) until tops have set appearance. 4 cookies = 2 to 3 minutes; 6 cookies = 3 to 4 minutes; 12 cookies = 5 to 6 minutes.

Cool on wax paper; remove and store in tightly covered container. Make about 3 dozen cookies.

Variation: Form dough into 2 rolls, 2 inches in diameter and freeze. Slice 1/4 inch thick and place on wax paper. Microwave same as above.