Chinese Almond Cookies
["2 3/4 c. flour", "1 3/4 c. sugar", "1 1/4 c. shortening or 2 1/2 sticks margarine", "1/2 tsp. salt", "1 egg", "1/2 tsp. almond extract", "1 tsp. baking powder", "1/4 c. water (no more)", "slivered almonds (optional)"]
["Cream the butter and sugar together. Add egg, salt and extract.", "Mix thoroughly. Add 1 cup flour, then add all of the water.", "Mix. Add remaining flour; mix. Drop by level measuring teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten with a floured jelly glass.", "Press almond on top. Bake until brown and crisp at 350\u00b0 for 10 to 12 minutes.", "Makes 160 cookies (20 to a cookie sheet)."]
["flour", "sugar", "shortening", "salt", "egg", "almond extract", "baking powder", "water", "almonds"]