Creepy Monster’s Finger Cookies

• 1 cup (250 ml) butter, softened
• 1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup whole blanched almonds
• 1 tube red decorator gel, (blood for fingers), or any kind of red jam

Directions

1. 1

   In bowl, stir together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla, beat in flour, baking powder and salt. Form together into a ball, slightly flatten wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Working with one quarter of the dough at a time and keeping remaining dough refrigerated, roll heaping teaspoonful of dough into finger shape for each cookie.

3. 3

   Make sure to start off small here, because they spread out in the oven.

4. 4

   Press almond firmly into end for nail. Squeeze in center to create knuckle shape; using paring knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle.

5. 5

   Place on lightly greased baking sheets; bake in 160°C oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until pale golden.

6. 6

   Let cool then lift up almond, squeeze red decorator gel onto nail bed and press almond back into place, so gel oozes out from underneath. Repeat with remaining dough.

7. 7

   Many thanks for this recipe to <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking_and_desserts/creepy_witchs_finger_cookies.php" target="_blank">canadianliving.com</a>