1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons milk (optional)
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar and baking powder. Add eggs, shortening, milk, butter and milk. Mix until smooth, then stir in egg white and vanilla. Stir in almond extract. Drop batter by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake 15 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the middle of each cup comes out clean. Cool and cut into bars. Cool on wire rack.