Mmmm.... I love these sugar cookies! I made them today for our family reunion that is coming up and put most of them in the freezer. The kids and Steve had a few but I resisted. I have about 20 pounds I want to lose and since the main reason I haven't lost it is that my will power is pretty much non-existant in the area of sweets snacks and desserts, I have sworn them off entirely untill I reach the halfway point. Then I will re-evaluate. I am trying to train myself to resist. Trouble is, I don't have much trouble telling myself 'no'; my main problem is listening to myself when I say 'just a little'. Why is that so hard???

Anyway, these are so yummy! They are flavored with almond extract which is the secret ingredient. ...Well, that and a pound of fat. My friend Chris from church gave me the recipe which she alters to add more almond extract and I add even more that she does, upping the original recipe from 1 tsp. to 1.5 Tablespoons. This recipe makes me about 7 dozen cookies. Only 6 dozen are making it to the reunion though!

Almond Flavored Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 T almond flavoring
4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar (Chris leaves this out and they are still good)

Cream butter and shortening together and then add eggs and sugars. Mix in flavorings.
Sift together flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Add to wet ingredients.
Mix all together, roll into balls and roll balls in more granulated sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and press with cookie press or cup.
Bake at 350 degrees about 6 minutes or till the center is set. Don't wait for them to brown!
These smell heavenly and are sooooo yummy!

I think these might be my favorite cookies except for maybe oatmeal scotchies. My mouth is watering! Only 5 pounds to go!