Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups almonds sliced, divided
  • 1 large eggs white, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar divided
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups flour, all-purpose
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/4 cups strawberries chopped, fresh

Method

  • In a bowl, combine 1 cup almonds and egg white.
  • Add 1/2 cup sugar; toss to coat.
  • Spoon into a greased 15-in.
  • x 10-in.
  • x 1-in.
  • baking pan.
  • Bake at 350F (180C).
  • for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
  • stirring occasionally.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream shorting, butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Beat in extracts.
  • Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk
  • Fold in the strawberries and remaining almonds.
  • Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.
  • Sprinkle with sugared almonds.
  • Bake at 350F (180C).
  • for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool 5 minutes before removing from the pans to wire racks.
  • Yield: 1 1/2 dozen.