Almond Wreath Cookies

Directions

1. In food processor w/ chopping blade, process almonds and 1/4 c. sugar unti almonds are finely grnd; set aside. Lightly grease 5 baking sheets
2. (or possibly 2 baking sheets + 3 sheets of aluminum foil or possibly parchment paper, to refrigeratewreaths before baking).
3. In large bowl w/ mixer at med. speed, beat butter & remaining 1/2 c. sugar till light & fluffy. Beat in egg, lowfat milk & vanilla & almond extracts till well blended. Reduce mixer speed to low; gradually beat in 1 1/2 c. flour, the grnd almond mix, baking pwdr & salt til mixed. Beat in sufficient of remaining flour till soft dough forms. Spoon about 1/3 of dough into large pastry bag w/ 1/4" open star tip. Pipe 1/2" thick strip of dough onto baking sheets to create 2" diameter wreaths, about 1" apart. Chill on baking sheets 15 minutes. to hard dough.
4. Cut each green cherry into 8 slices. Cut each red cherry into quarters.
5. Heat oven to 375. Press a red cherry onto each wreath & place 2 green slices on each side of the red cherry. Bake 8-10 minutes. - til golden on top & lightly browned on bottom. Cold completely on wire rack. Store in airtight container.
6. Makes about 5 1/2 doz. cookies.