Almond Kissed Cookies

Recipe Contributor: Farah Fatiny Haji Hassani (Forestry Department)

Ingredients:
1 cup sliced almonds (divided)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter or margarine (softened)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 egg
1 to 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup HERSHEY'¨S MINI KISSES- Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Baking Pieces (could be find in the super market)

Procedures:
1. Grind 1/2 cup almonds in the blender.

2. Stir together flour, ground almonds and baking soda and set aside.

3. Beat butter and powdered sugar in large bowl until fluffy. Add egg, orange peel and almond extract; beat on low speed until blended.

4. Add flour mixture; beat on low speed until blended.

5. Shape dough into two logs, about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. (Refrigerate dough about 15 minutes, if necessary, before shaping).

6. Wrap each roll separately in wax paper or plastic wrap; refrigerate until well chilled, at least two hours.

7. Heat oven to 375¡F. Lightly grease cookie sheets.

8. Slice dough into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

9. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Immediately place 3 Mini Kisses and 3 almond slices on top of each cookie, pressing down lightly. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.