1. Combine butter and sugar in a large bowl.

2. Beat in egg yolk until mixtrue is smooth and light.

3. Beat in brandy or juice.

4. Sift together flour and baking powder.

5. Add to egg mixture a little at a time, beating well after each addition.

6. Stir in almonds.

7. Turn out onto a floured surface.

8. Knead with floured hands until dough is no longer sticky.

9. Preheat oven to 350~.

10. Pinch off 1 pieces, shape into balls or crescents.

11. If desired insert 1 whole clove in center of each, or use your fingers to press 1 or 2 dimples into each cookie.

12. Place on ungreased baking sheets.

13. Bake 30-35 minutes or until cookies are pale golden.

14. Cool on baking sheets.

15. Sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar while still warm.

16. Cookies are extremely fragile.

17. Remove from baking sheets with a spatula.

18. Store in an airtight container between sheets of waxed paper.

19. Makes about 30. -----.