Cookie Candy Canes or Valentine Hearts

Preheat oven to 375°. In a medium bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and peppermint extracts until light and fluffy.

Add flour and baking powder, beating until blended. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Stir red food coloring into 1 portion of dough, beating or kneading until well blended.

For each cookie, shape 1 teaspoon of each color dough into a 4-inch long rope, rolling back and forth until smooth, even ropes. Place 1 red rope and 1 white rope, side by side.

Press together lightly and twist.

Place 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Curve 1 end of cookie dough down to form handle of candy cane. Brush with slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with red sugar crystals. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges begin to brown lightly. Remove cookies from baking sheets.

Cool on racks.