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The story was commonly told in Virginia that these cook­ies were a favorite with Dolley Madison, the 4th First Lady of the United States. They were the dainty confection served with syllabub, the favorite dessert in those days. And syllabub, the venerable grandmother in the mountain cabin in North Carolina, would tell you, was a mixture of calf’s foot jelly and whipped cream. The jelly was made with wine.

• 11/2 cups flour sifted
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted almonds blanched
• 2 egg yolks unbeaten
• 1/2 cup butter

Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the egg yolks and mix well. Gradually add the flour and knead into a smooth dough. Shape into small balls with the hands. Press an almond into the top of each cookie, and bake about twenty minutes at 400° F.