1 1/8 lb. plain flour
2 level tsp. baking powder
9 oz. sugar
1 packet Vanillin sugar (from Japanese or Deli stores)
2 pinches ground cardamom
2 pinches ground cloves
1 level tsp. ground cinnamon
2 drops bitter almond flavor
2 eggs or 1 egg & 3 tbsp. milk
7 oz. butter
3 1/2 oz. ground almonds or hazel nuts

Mix the flour and the baking powder and sieve onto a pastry board. Make a well in the center and put in the sugar, the spices, flavorings and the eggs or the egg and the milk.

Drawing in flour from the sides of the well, work these ingredients together to a heavy paste. Cut up the cold fat and add it with the nuts to the paste. Sprinkle with more flour and working from the center, knead together quickly to a smooth dough. If it is sticky, put it aside in a cool place for a short time. Roll out thinly and cut into fancy shapes - animals, stars, etc. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake high in the oven. Oven: Preheat for 5 minutes at very hot, bake at moderately hot. Baking time: About 10 minutes.