Finnish Cookie Sticks

1 cup butter, softened

½ cup white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon almond extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

3 eggs, beaten

½ cup white sugar

1 ½ cups finely chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Stir in 1 egg and almond extract. Combine the salt and flour; stir into the sugar mixture with your hands until a smooth dough forms. Roll dough into log shaped pieces about 1/2 inch thick and 2 to 3 inches long. Dip each piece in the beaten eggs, then in remaining 1/2 cup sugar and then roll them in almonds. Place them 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.