EMPIRE COOKIES
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1 1/2 cups icing sugar, sifted
1/4 tsp almond extract
2 Tbsp hot water
• In a large bowl cream the shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
• In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
• Combine flour and shortening mixtures until well blended.
• Chill for 1 hour for easy rolling.
• Roll out dough 1/8" thick on a lightly floured surface.
• Cut into 2" rounds
• Re-roll leftovers and cut more rounds.
• Place on ungreased baking sheet.
• Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
• Cool completely.
• Spread jam on half of the cookies.
• Top with remaining cookies.
• Combine icing sugar, almond extract and hot water to make a thin icing.
• Frost tops of cookies.
• Decorate tops with candied cherries. Makes 2 dozen
