1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. confectioners sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. almond flavoring
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red food coloring
1/2 c. crushed peppermint candy (optional)
1/2 c. granulated sugar (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees, mix butter, shortening, confectioners sugar, egg and flavorings. Blend in flour and salt. Divide dough in half. Blend food color into half. Shape 1 teaspoon of dough from each half into 4 inch rope. Roll them back and forth on lightly floured board. Place ropes side by side, press together lightly and twist. Complete cookie one at a time. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Curve top down to form handle of cane. Bake about 9 minutes or until very light brown. Mix candy and sugar. Immediately sprinkle cookies with candy and sugar mixture; remove from baking sheet.