Cream shortening and butter at medium speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add 1 cup powdered sugar and salt; mix well. Stir in flour. Add water, vanilla, and almonds, stirring well.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, and flatten.
Bake at 3250 for 12 minutes or until done. Dredge warm cookies in powdered sugar.