Gumdrop Cookies

Ingredients:
  
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar, divided
1/2 tsp. almond or vanilla extract
1-3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped fruit-flavored or spiced gumdrops
2 egg whites 
 
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and 3/4 c. sugar. Beat in extract.
Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in gumdrops.
In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into dough. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 3-1/2 dozen