Berlin Garlands

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, cream butter with confectioners sugar until fluffy.
2. 2
   Beat in egg yolks and almond extract.
3. 3
   Stir in flour and salt until blended.
4. 4
   Chill several hours or overnight until dough is firm enough to handle.
5. 5
   Preheat oven to 375°.
6. 6
   Beat egg whites until frothy.
7. 7
   Pinch off a level tablespoon of dough at a time and roll with the palm of your hands on a lightly floured pastry cloth until you have a log about 8 inches long.
8. 8
   Shape into a wreath, overlapping ends.
9. 9
   Place about 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets.
10. 10
    Brush with beaten egg whites.
11. 11
    Press green and red candied cherries onto dough to resemble holly.
12. 12
    Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
13. 13
    Remove from cookie sheets; cool on wire racks.
14. 14
    Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.