3/4 c. soft butter
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. almond extract
2 c. sifted flour
1 egg (slightly beaten)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheet. In large bowl, beat butter, sugar and almond extract until light and fluffy. Stir in flour, mix with hands to make a smooth dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface. With hands, shape into 6 inch roll. With sharp knife cut crosswise into 6 parts. Shape each part into a roll 12 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter. Cut each roll crosswise into 6 (2 inch) pieces, to resemble logs. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. Brush top lightly with egg.

Topping:
1/4 c. finely chopped unblanched almonds
1 1/2 tsp. sugar

Combine almonds and sugar, sprinkle over logs. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Makes 3 dozen.