Ingredients:
 
1/2 cup butter or margarine softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (I add some extra usually)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour (I use 2 1/4 cups for softer cookies)
1 teapoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/2 sugar

Procedure:

Heat oven to 375.  Mix butter, shortening, powdered sugar, eggs and
flavorings.  Blend in flour and salt.  Divide dough in half;  blend food
coloring in one half.

Shape 1 teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch ropes, roll them back and
forth on lightly floured board.  Place ropes side by side;  press together
tightly and twist.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Curve top down to form
handle of candy cane.

Bake about 9 minutes.  Mix sugar and candy.  Sprinkle on cookies right out
of oven.