Yield: Makes 24 to 30 buttery almond balls.

Ingredients



* 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

* 2 eggs, separated

* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 tablespoons milk

* 1 cup sliced almonds

* 12 to 15 candied red and green cherries, halved

Procedure

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

* Cream the butter then beat sugar in gradually.

* Add the egg yolks and extracts and beat until fluffy.

* Stir in about half the flour; add the milk then beat well.

* Stir in the remaining flour and knead just until blended in.

* Shape into small balls, roll in lightly beaten egg whites, then in the almonds.

* Place on greased baking sheets and press a half cherry into the center of each ball.

* Bake for about 20 minutes, until lightly browned on bottoms.

* Cool on rack.