Chinese Almond Cookies

36 whole blanched almonds
1/2 c. ground almonds
1 c. lard
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together lard and sugar. Beat egg and add along with ground almonds and almond extract. Blend well. Sift flour together with baking powder and salt, and gradually add, mixing with hands to blend. Knead into a dough (if it is too stiff, add water a drop at a time, but do not soften too much). Shape into long roll, 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Cut in 1/4 inch slices. Top with almond and bake on greased baking sheet. Bake until golden; about 15 minutes.