5 Egg whites

1 1/2 c Sugar

1/4 ts Salt

1 c Unsalted butter

= melted and cooled 1 c Flour

1/2 ts Almond extract

Messages/5 dozen Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the egg whites in a bowl. Add the sugar and salt and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is thick and shiny. Gradually beat the butter into the egg white mixture. Stir in the flour and add almond extract. Using a measuring spoon, drop by teaspoonfuls, well apart, onto a greased or non-stick baking sheet. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Working quickly, place a message in the center of each cookie, and fold in half while still warm. Place the still-warm folded cookies in cool muffin tins to shape. Cool completely before storing. Yield 5 dozen cookies NATHALIE DUPREE COOKS SHOW#ND7092

-----