It's been said that the lard is what produces the traditional taste. However, if desired, butter or margarine may be substituted for very satisfactory results.
INGREDIENTS (for 2 servings):
- 2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lard
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 96 almonds
PREPARATION:
Sift flour, sugar, baking soda and salt together into a bowl. Cut in the lard until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add egg and almond extract. Mix well.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Set them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Place an almond on top of each cookie and press down to flatten slightly
Bake in a pre-heated 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) oven for 15-18 minutes. Cool on rack.