1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups Gold Medal flour^*
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food color

Heat oven to 375°. Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, confectioners’ sugar, egg and flavorings Blend food color into one half.

Shape 1 teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch rope. For smooth, even ropes, roll them back and forth on lightly floured board. Place rope side by side; press together lightly and twist. Complete cookies one at a time. Place on ungreased baking sheet; curve top of cookie down to form handle of cane. Bake about 9 minutes or until set and very light brown. If you wish, mix 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Immediately sprinkle cookies with candy mixture; remove from baking sheet. About 4 dozen cookies.

^*If using self-rising flour, omit salt. If using instantized flour, stir 2 tablespoons milk into butter mixture.

©Copyright 1971 by General Mills, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.