Step 1

Preheat the oven 350°F. In a small bowl, cream the shortening, 1/2 cup of sugar and the brown sugar, mixing until the blend is light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and almond extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt, and then gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Step 2

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, and roll them in the remaining sugar. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets, then flatten them with the bottom of a glass. Press three almond slices into the center of each cookie.

Step 3

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let them cool on the baking sheets for two minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely.