These tender cookies are pretty to look at and the delicious flavor combination of cream cheese, orange, chocolate and almonds makes them irresistible.

Ingredients: (Yield: 6 dozen)

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons grated orange peel
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped blanched almonds

For the glaze:

• 5 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup finely chopped blanched almonds

Method:

In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and orange peel. Combine the flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds.

Roll into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For glaze, in a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Dip each cookie halfway into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with almonds. Place on waxed paper until set.