Vanilla Bean Shortbread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. 2
   Scrape the insides from one inch of a vanilla bean into a large mixing bowl.
3. 3
   In same bowl, cream butter with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
4. 4
   Add flour and ground almonds and beat until mixture is well combined.
5. 5
   On a floured surface roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
6. 6
   Cut into 2-inch rounds and place 1 inch apart on cookie sheet.
7. 7
   Press 1 almond into center of each cookie and bake about 20 minutes, or until very lightly colored.
8. 8
   Remove to rack and cool.