Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

(recipe from my mother-in-law, Suzi Dayton)

1 c butter or crisco (I do 1/2 & 1/2)
2 1/2 c flour
1 c powdered sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 t almond extract
1 t vanilla
1 t salt
1/2 t red food coloring
1/2 c sugar & 1/2 c crushed peppermint for topping

Mix first seven ingredients, then divide dough in half. Tint half of dough w/ red food coloring. Allow dough to chill in fridge for an hour or two. Roll sections of red & white dough into long ropes on a well floured surface. Twist sections to form candy canes*. Bake 9 - 10 minutes at 375 degrees. While still hot, top with suger & crushed peppermint mixture.

*If you are making 6 dozen & don't want to pull your hair out, just mix some white & red dough into balls to form round cookies :)