Chinese Almond Cookies

Crunchy, sweet almond cookies are a popular Chinese treat with hot tea, but also make an easier alternative to homemade fortune cookies for dessert.

• 1 cup (1/2 pound) lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon almond extract
• pinch of salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons water
• whole blanched almonds for garnish

1. 1Preheat the oven to 300°F. Grease 2 baking sheets.
2. 2Beat 1 cup (1/2 pound) lard or vegetable shortening (at room temperature) with 1 cup granulated sugar until creamy. Beat in 1 tablespoon almond extract and a pinch of salt, then beat in 3 cups all-purpose flour, a little at a time. The dough will be crumbly.
3. 3Shape spoonfuls of dough into flat, round cookies about 2 inches in diameter. (The edges of the cookies will have cracks.) Transfer to the prepared pans.
4. 4Beat together 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water and brush it atop the cookies. Press a whole blanched almond into the center of each cookie.
5. 5Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. Store in an airtight container. Makes 4 dozen.