*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                            Valentine Cookies

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : 
  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     3/4  cup           margarine or butter -- softened
     3/4  cup           honey
     1/4  teaspoon      almond extract
   2 1/2  cups          all-purpose flour
     1/2  cup           finely chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat margarine, honey and almond extract with an electric
mixer until mixture is light and fluffy.  Add flour, 1 cup at a time,
beating well after each addition.  Mix in almonds.  On ungreased cookie
sheets, shape 1/2-cup portions of dough into heart shapes, no more than
1/2-inch thick.  Decorate as desired by following one of the tips below or
by using a tooth-pick, fork or other kitchen tool to create a design.  Bake
25 to 30 minutes or until edges turn brown.  Cool 5 minutes and remove from
pan.

Decorating tips:

You can create a design on top of the cookies using white or colored candy
sprinkles.

Or you could crimp the edges of heart, making a design using the tines of
fork, or a knife, spatula or spoon.  Sprinkle baked cookies with powdered
sugar.

If you are an experienced baker, you may want to paint a design with a
simple egg-yolk paint.  Separate an egg; put the egg yolk in a small bowl
and mix with 1/2 teaspoon water and enough red food coloring to make the
desired sired shade of red.  Using a clean paint brush, paint a design on
cookie using the colored yolk.  Or place a small doily on cookie and, using
a clean, stiff brush, work the egg paint through the cutouts and create a
lacy effect.  Remember that this is all done before the cookies are baked.

Makes 4 large cookies.


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