Sugared Almond Sticks

Yield: 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup unblanched almonds, ground
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 unbeaten egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix 2 tablespoons of ground almonds with 2 tablespoons sugar; reserve.
3. Combine remaining ground almonds with flour, salt and sugar.
4. Cut in butter until particles are fine.
5. Add unbeaten egg yolk and almond extract; mix well to form a dough. Divide into 2 portions. Roll each portion with floured hands on a lightly floured surface to a strip 12 inches long. Place six strips side by side. Brush tops generously with slightly beaten egg white; sprinkle with reserved almond sugar mixture. Cut across all six strips at one time to make 1 1/2 inch pieces. Separate cut pieces of each strip and place on ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes until light golden brown.