Sift flour with baking powder. Set aside.
Cream butter and gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg yolk, brandy and vanilla. Beat again until very light. Stir in almonds.
Blend in flour mixture, mix to form soft smooth dough. Chill 30 minutes or until it can be handled easily.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into crescent-shapes. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until light...do not brown. Cool on rack. Dust generously with confectioners' sugar.
Makes approximately 6 dozen cookies.