We made Warren Harding’s favorite Almond Cookie in the kitchen tonight.

The almond cookies were very popular during the Harding Administration. The White House grounds had been closed during World War 1 and when the Harding Presidency began in 1921, The White House and the magnificent grounds were re-opened to the American public after being closed for so long.

It was a joyous occasion to have The White House open again and President and Mrs Harding loved holding socials on the White House lawn – especially on Sunday’s. Everyone would wear their “Sunday Best” and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the lawn. The food was always delicious and there were plenty of lemonade, punch, cookies, cakes and sandwiches. One of the most popular cookies was an almond cookie – which was an absolute favorite of Warren Harding.

Recipe

Ingredients

3/4 Cups of Sifted Flour
2 Eggs (used separately)

1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup of butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
Grated rind of one lemon
Just a dash of salt
1/2 Cup grated and blanched almonds (we used slivered almonds)
Blanched almonds for garnish (we used slivered almonds)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a bowl. sift the flour and set aside.

In another bowl. mix thoroughly I whole egg, sugar, butter, baking soda, lemon rind, salt, and grated almonds (we used slivered almonds)

Add the sifted flour to the mixture and mix thoroughly.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour.

Place sliced cookies on an ungreased baking sheet

Brush the cookie dough with the other egg that has been beaten

Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are browned.

Cool on a cooking rack for a few minutes before removing.

Makes about 2 to 3 dozen cookies. All depends on how you slice them. We got 2 dozen from the ones we made tonight.