Esther's Bracelets

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

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1 cup sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine -- softened

3/4 cup shortening

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Glaze -- (recipe follows)

Finely chopped almonds, if desired

GLAZE

3 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons milk (4 to 5 tablespoons)

Heat oven to 375º. Beat sugar, butter, shortening, almond extract and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour and 1/2 cup almonds.

Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Roll each ball into rope, 6 inches long. Form each rope into circle, crossing ends and tucking under. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Drizzle with Glaze. Sprinkle with finely chopped almonds.

GLAZE:

Mix ingredients until thin enough to drizzle.