Serves: 3
Total Calories: 836

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter cold or margarine, cut in pieces
1/3 cup vegetable shortening solid
1 egg large
2 tablespoons water cold
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup mincemeat prepared Or 1 can (12 or 12 1/2 oz.) fruit or
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, beat egg with water, vanilla and almond extract. Sprinkle over top of pastry mixture and toss with a fork until well moistened and you can press mixture firmly into a ball. Chill if needed for easier handling.

On a lightly floured surface, roll a portion of the dough to 1/8 -inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch circles. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross in the center of half of the circles. Place 1 teaspoon of the desired filling in center of the uncut rounds. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet. With a fork, press around edges to seal. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers. Lightly dust tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 3
Total Calories: 836
Calories from Fat: 382

More Recipes from the Gifts From Your Kitchen Cookbook:
Butter Nut Wafers
Christmas Tarts
Coconut "Snowballs"
Colossal Chocolate Chip Cookie