Orange Almond Tea Cookies

2 C. margarine or butter ($.75)
1 C. granulated sugar ($.20)
3 tsp. almond extract ($.15)
3 tsp. orange juice ($.10)
zest of 2-3 large oranges ($.15)
4 1/4 C. flour ($.25)
3/4 C. sliced almonds ($.55)
1 C. powdered sugar ($.25)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in extract, juice, and zest. Add the flour and nuts, mixing in flour a cup at a time until well blended. Cover and chill for 3 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

3. Shape dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from pan to cool on wire racks.

4. When cookies are cool enough to handle, roll in confectioners' sugar mixed with nutmeg. Roll cookies in sugar mixture twice. Place cookies in an airtight container and hide the container from those who seek to devour your goodies.

Yields = 8 dozen
Cost: $2.30
Cost per cookie: $.03