Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Step 2: Sift flour and salt together into a mixing bowl, set aside

Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix cream, butter and shortening together thoroughly

Step 4: Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated

Step 5: Add egg and extracts and mix until fully incorporated

Step 6: Add dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated

Step 7: Divide dough in half

Step 8: In one half add red food coloring, mix thoroughly (some people add green food coloring to other side)

Step 9: Make complete cookies one at a time, covering the dough with damp cloth

Step 10: Roll 1 teaspoons of each dough into strips about 4 inches long

Step 11: Place strips side by side

Step 12: Press lightly together and twist into a rope

Step 13: Place on ungreased cookie sheet

Step 14: Curve top of twisted dough rope down to form handle handle of cane

Step 15: Bake about 9 minutes, until lightly brown

Step 16: Remove with spatula while warm and sprinkle with topping (optional)