"PAUL BUNYAN" COOKIES

Provided by Pat Duran

Categories Cookies

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 c real butter only, room temperature
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
6 small drops red food coloring or food gel
1/4 c chopped nuts, i use pecans or walnuts
1 pkg pre-melted unsweetened chocolate

Steps:

1. Line a 9x5 loaf pan , set aside.
2. Or a quart milk carton- cut like this. Set aside.
3. In your large mixer bowl cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; and gradually add to the butter mixture.
4. Divide dough into thirds. Add almond extract and food gel to one part, and press evenly into the prepared container. Add nuts to the second piece, and press onto the first piece.Or wrap each piece separately and pack into pan the next day. Add melted chocolate to the third piece, mixing in well; press chocolate piece evenly over second layer. Note: you can arrange colors in any order you wish.
5. Cover and chill overnight.Next day Unwrap, cut loaf in half lengthwise.If you want a large cookie -"Paul Bunyan" style -do not cut dough in half. Be sure to place these cookies at least 4 to 6 inches apart on cookie sheet. Heat oven to 350^.
6. Cut each half into 1/8-inch slices. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or just until edges are firm;or starting to brown on the edges. Remove to racks to cool. --- Note: I know this may sound difficult- but once you get the hang of it ,it is quite simple- give it a try!