Esther's Bracelets

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine softened
3/4 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
Glaze (recipe follows) Finely chopped almonds, if desired
Glaze
3 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk (4 to 5 tablespoons)
Heat oven to 375. Beat sugar, butter, shortening, almond extract and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon.
Stir in flour and 1/2 cup almonds.
Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Roll each ball into rope, 6 inches long. Form each rope into circle, crossing ends and tucking under.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Drizzle with Glaze. Sprinkle with finely chopped almonds.
Glaze:
Mix ingredients until thin enough to drizzle.