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. Gold Medal flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red food color

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, confectioners sugar, egg and flavorings. Blend in flour an salt. Divide dough in half, blend food color into one half. 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 and twist. Complete cookies one at a time. Place in ungreased baking 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 baking sheet. About 4 dozen cookies.