TWO LAKES ALMOND RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine 1 cup butter, sugar and egg in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, until creamy. Add milk and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Reduce speed to low. Add flour and baking powder; beat, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.
• Divide dough into thirds. Shape each third into a ball. Wrap each in plastic food wrap; flatten slightly. Refrigerate 2-3 hours or until firm.
• Heat oven to 400°F. 
• Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-third at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 6-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.
• Combine powdered sugar, water, 1 tablespoon butter, corn syrup and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract in bowl; mix until powdered sugar is moistened. Beat at medium speed until smooth, adding additional water if necessary, to reach desired glazing consistency. Tint with food color, if desired.
• Glaze cooled cookies. Add decorator candies, if desired. Let stand until glaze is hardened (6 hours or overnight).

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Combine sugar and butter in bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. Add ricotta cheese, egg and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; continue beating until well mixed. Gradually add flour, baking powder and salt, beating at low speed after each addition.
• Drop dough by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes; remove to cooling racks.
• Combine powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract and enough milk for desired glazing consistency in bowl. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon glaze over cooled cookies; decorate with sprinkles as desired. Store in tightly covered container.