Almond-Orange Shortbread

In a mixer or food processor bowl, beat butter, sugar, almond extract, and salt until smooth.

With mixer on low speed, add flour and orange zest; mixt until dough forms.

With a wooden spoon, rubber spatula, or your hands, gently mix in almonds.

Cut piece of waxed paper--12" X 6".

Roll dough into log shape (12" long by 2 1/2" wide and 1" thick. Place on waxed paper and wrap.

Freeze until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 3 months.

(If freezing longer than one day, wrap log again in double layers of plastic film.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Remove dough from freezer.

With a sharp knife, slice into 1/4" thick slices; place on ungreased baking sheet at leat 1" apart.

Bake until edges just begin to turn golden, about 20 minutes.

DO NOT OVERBAKE.

Cool 5 minutes on sheet; transfer to a rack to cool completely.