Peppermint Stick Cookies

Peppermint Stick Cookies 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup vegetable shortening (or butter at room temperature) 1 cup powdered sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 375 degrees Cream shortening together with the powdered sugar and then add egg, vanilla and almond extract. Mix well. To creamed mixture add 2 1/2 cup flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until incorporated. Divide dough in half. Leave one half plain. Divide the other half in half again: Add green food coloring to one part and red to the other. Make dough into rolled strips (about 5") and twist together one white and one red or green. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 9 min. or until lightly browned. You may sprinkle a mixture of peppermint candy (crushed) and sugar while still warm if you'd like. We usually prefer them plain.