Gumdrop cookies

Baking time: 8-10 minutes

Yield: 3-1/2 dozen

4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar, divided

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped fruit-flavored or spiced gumdrops

2 egg whites

In a large bowl, cream shortening and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in gumdrops. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into dough. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.