Berry Shortbread Dreams

1 cup butter -- softened - no-- substitutions
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

**GLAZE**
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons water -- up to 3 tsp
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in extract; gradually add flour until dough forms a ball. . Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center. Fill with jam.
Bake at 350 degrees for 14-18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Move to wire racks to cool. Spoon additional jam into cookies if desired. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over cookies.
Yield: about 3-1/2dozen.
These will absolutely melt in your mouth!
Taste of Home June 11, 2001