Preheat oven to 375º
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 cup confectioners sugar + 1/2 cup to sprinkle atop cookies
1 egg
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red food coloring
Mix shortening, butter, sugar, egg and extracts. In a separate bowl mix flour and salt. Add to shortening mixture. Mix well until you have nice dough mixture. Mix half the dough with the red food coloring. Blend well until color is consistent. Roll one teaspoon of each color dough into about a 4-inch strip. Lay strips side by side and press lightly together. Now twist like rope. Lay out on un-greased cookie sheet, curving top down to form the handle of the cane.
Bake about 9 minutes or until lightly brown. While still warm, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Sprinkle lightly with crushed candy cane (optional)
