Chinese Almond Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter and Crisco with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add 1 egg, milk, and almond extract. Mix well.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Set them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Place an almond on top of each cookie and press down to flatten the cookie slightly. Beat a whole egg with 1 Tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the top of each cookie with egg wash.
4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until just beginning to brown. Cool on a rack before serving.