>> I have an italian rainbow cookie recipe that calls for almond paste and
>> I cannot find it in any local store. Can I use almond extract or
>> something else instead or would that screw up the cookies.


The almond paste deinitely adds needed starch and texture. Can you find
whole almonds and blanch then grind them yourself? Alternately you could
possibly use organic almond butter- but cut back on the other fats in the
cookies. Get a jar that has separated a bit and drain the oil off the top- go
for the dryer portion towards the bottom of the jar.


Hope this helps =)

Barb Anne