1/4 c  Whole blanched almonds
1/2 ts Saffron threads
1/2 c  Unsalted butter
1/2 c  Sugar
1    Egg; beaten
1 ts Lemon juice
1 1/2 c  Flour
1 tb Corn starch
1/2 ts Baking powder

Grind the almonds and set aside. Place the saffron threads in a cooking
spoon and heat, then crush to powder with a teaspoon. Combine powder with
butter and sugar and beat until creamy. Gradually add egg while continuing
to beat, then beat in lemon juice. Sift together the flour, corn starch,
and baking powder. Combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture and
the almond and form into a ball. Wrap ball in plastic wrap and chill for
anhour. Roll out half the dough on a floured board to about 1/8 inch thick,
sprinkle top with granulated sugar and cut into 2 inch rounds. Place on a
buttered baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, until edges are
just beginning to turn golden. Cool on racks. repeat with remaining dough.