Serves 6

3 cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup shortening or butter, chilled

1½ cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon almond extract

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to blend and remove any clumps.

• Add shortening and cut in with 2 knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.

• Add almond extract to cream and stir into flour mixture. Use moistened fingers to blend dough and work it into a ball. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

• Press dough into a 1-inch thick square. With a small biscuit cutter, cut 12 circles. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400ºF until nicely browned, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.