DESSERT RECIPE: Empire Cookies

3/4-cup golden Crisco shortening
1-cup granulated sugar
2-eggs
1-tsp vanilla
2 1/4-cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2-tsp baking powder
1/4-tsp salt
1/2-cup raspberry jam
1 1/2-cups icing sugar, sifted
1/4-tsp almond extract
1 1/2-2-tbsp hot water
Candied cherries to decorate the top

Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl on medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt
Add to creamed mixture, beating at low speed until well blended
Chill 1 hour for easy rolling
Roll out dough, a portion at a time on a lightly floured surface to 1/8" thick
Cut into 2" rounds
Re-roll leftovers and cut more rounds
Place on ungreased baking sheet
Bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned around edges
Cool completely
Spread jam on half the cookies
Top with remaining cookies
Combine icing sugar, extract, and enough hot water to make a thin icing
Frost tops of cookies
Decorate with small piece of candied cherry
Store in airtight container

Makes about 2 dozen

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