This is the 4th time I've tried to post this. Sigh.

Almond Cookie Mice

1 cup butter or margarine at room temp

1 large egg

2 teaspoonful almond extract

1 teaspoonful vanilla extract

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

for decoration: peanut halves, coarsely chopped raisins, red/black licorice laces in 3 inch lengths

Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer till fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Gradually beat in flour till blended. Dough will be stiff. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or till well chilled. Heat oven to 325 degrees and have cookie sheets ready. Shape rounded tablespoonful of dough into 1 ¼ inch balls. Taper each ball at one end into a teardrop shape and flatten on one side. Place on un-greased cookie sheet flat side down, 2 inches apart. Press in sides of balls to “raise backs” of mice (they will spread out slightly as they bake). Gently push 2 peanut halves in each for ears and 2 pieces of raisins for eyes. With a wooden toothpick make a 1 inch deep hole at the tail end. Bake 9-12 minutes until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to rack and insert licorice tails into toothpick holes. Cool completely. Makes about 45 mice.