Valentine Cookies

Photo: flickr user Aine D

Ingredients

Stephen Ceidebuurg

cup Margarine or butter, softened

cup Honey

teaspoon Almond extract

cup All-purpose flour

cup Finely chopped almonds

Preparation

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat margarine, honey and almond extract with an electric mixer until mixture is light and fluffy. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in almonds. On ungreased cookie sheets, shape 1/2-cup portions of dough into heart shapes, no more than 1/2-inch thick. Decorate as desired by following one of the tips below or by using a tooth-pick, fork or other kitchen tool to create a design. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until edges turn brown. Cool 5 minutes and remove from pan.

Decorating tips:You can create a design on top of the cookies using white or colored candy sprinkles.

Or you could crimp the edges of heart, making a design using the tines of fork, or a knife, spatula or spoon. Sprinkle baked cookies with powdered sugar.

If you are an experienced baker, you may want to paint a design with a simple egg-yolk paint. Separate an egg; put the egg yolk in a small bowl and mix with 1/2 teaspoon water and enough red food coloring to make the desired sired shade of red. Using a clean paint brush, paint a design on cookie using the colored yolk. Or place a small doily on cookie and, using a clean, stiff brush, work the egg paint through the cutouts and create a lacy effect. Remember that this is all done before the cookies are baked.

Makes 4 large cookies.