Chinese Almond Cookies

I made these almond cookies for a play date with Hannah's China group last week, and several moms asked me for the recipe...

Chinese Almond Cookies

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1/2 pound (1 stick + 2-3 tablespoons) butter-flavored Crisco
2 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
Almond halves or slivers

Directions:
1. Preheat oen to 325.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Add the shortening, egg, and almond extract; knead the ingredients until just combined (do not overknead).
4. Place 1-inch balls of the dough on 2 ungreased cokie sheets, about 2 inches apart. Place an almond half or sliver in the center of each, pressing down slightly. Bake 18-20 minutes, until cookies are big and yellow (avoid overbaking).
For larger cookies, make larger dough balls. Makes abut 30 cookies (I make smaller cookies, so I get a lot more than that).