Almond Kissed Cookies

Almond Kissed Cookies

Ingredients:
One cup sliced almonds
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine softened
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
One egg
1 to 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup Milk Chocolates

Directions:
Grind 1/2 cup almonds in food processor or blender.
Stir together flour, ground almonds and baking soda; set aside.
Beat butter and powdered sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy.
Add egg, orange peel and almond extract; beat on low speed until blended.
Add flour mixture; beat on low speed until blended.
Shape dough into two logs, about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. (Refrigerate dough about 15 minutes, if necessary, before shaping).
Wrap each roll separately in wax paper or plastic wrap; refrigerate until well chilled, at least two hours.
Heat oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease cookie sheets.
Slice dough into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Place on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Immediately place 3 chocolates and 3 almond slices on top of each cookie, pressing down lightly.
Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
Cool completely.

Prepares about 3-1/2 dozen cookies