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

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 1/2 of dough. Shape 1 teaspoon dough from each 1/2 into 4 inch rope. Roll them back and forth on floured board. Place ropes side by side; press together and twist. Do cookies one at a time. Place on ungreased baking sheet; curve top of cookie down to make handle of cane. Bake about 9 minutes until set and very light brown.

OPTIONAL: Mix 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Sprinkle on cookies. Remove from sheet. 4 dozen cookies.