1/2 c. soft shortening
1/2 c. soft butter
1 c. sifted confectioner's sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red food coloring
1/4 c. crushed peppermint candy
1/4 c. granulated sugar

Mix together thoroughly shortening, butter, confectioner's sugar, egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Sift together sifted flour and salt; stir into first mixture. Divide dough into halves. Blend red food coloring into half of dough. Roll 1 teaspoon of each color dough into 4 inch long strips. Place strips side by side, press lightly together and twist like rope. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Curve top down to form handle of cane. Bake approximately 9 minutes or until lightly browned in quick moderate 375 degree oven. Remove from cookie sheet with spatula while still warm and sprinkle with a mixture of the crushed candy and sugar. Yield: approximately 4 to 5 dozen.