Chinese Almond Cookies

1 cup (8 oz.) lard, room temperature
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
50 to 55 whole blanched almonds
1 egg yolk, beaten
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, beat together lard, 1 egg, almond extract, sugar and brown sugar until creamy. Add flour and baking powder, beating until well blended. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Press an almond in the center of each. Brush cookies with beat egg yolk. Bake 14 to 15 minutes or until golden. Remove and let cookies cool on racks. Makes about 50 to 55 cookies.