Cookie Bouquet

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened ((or ½ cup butter and ½ cup Crisco shortening))
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup meringue powder ((I use Chefmaster Deluxe))
• 2 teaspoons almond extract ((or vanilla extract if you prefer))
• 1 1/3 cup room temperature or slightly warm water
• 1/2 cup meringue powder (I use Chefmaster Deluxe)
• 2 teaspoons almond extract (or vanilla extract if you prefer)