1/2 C butter (straight from the fridge)
1/2 C shortening
1/2 C powdered sugar
1/2 C granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 C flour
blanched almond halves or pieces
1 egg
1/2 tsp water

Beat the butter, shortening, and sugars until creamy.  Add the egg, almond extract, baking soda, and salt and mix well.  Add flour and mix until incorporated (but don't over mix).

Divide dough into 2 equal portions and shape into logs using plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for and hour or until firm. 

When you are ready to bake them, preheat the oven to 325F and mix the egg and water wash in a small bowl.  Slice the logs every 1/4" and place to cookies on your baking sheet.  Press a piece of almond into the top and brush with the egg and water wash.  Bake for 15 - 18 minutes or until the cookies are barely brown on the bottom.