ALMOND COOKIES

Steps:

• COOKIE DOUGH:
• Cream butter with sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs, one at a time, and almond extract.
• Stir together flour, salt, baking soda and powder; gradually stir into creamed mixture until well blended.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
• FILLING:
• Meanwhile, mix together filling ingredients until smooth.
• ASSEMBLY:
• Using hands, roll heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls.
• With finger, make indentation in centre of each; stuff with about 1/4 teaspoons filling. Pinch off dime-sized piece of dough; press over filling to cover.
• Reroll in palms to seal and smooth edges.
• Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Brush tops with egg white; press almond lightly into each.
• Bake in 325oF oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden.
• Let cool on racks. Makes about 5 dozen.