Swedish Heirloom Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups ground almonds
Confectioners' sugar

Cream shortening and butter at medium speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup confectioners' sugar and salt; mix well. Stir in flour. Add water, vanilla extract and almonds, stirring well. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and flatten. Bake at 325 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until done. Dredge warm cookies in confectioners' sugar.

Yields 4 dozen.