Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cut butter or shortening into flour as for piecrust, using a pastry blender or your fingers.

In a separate bowl, combine beaten eggs, cream, vanilla, sugar, and salt.

Add the egg mixture to the flour and shortening mixture.

Mix until a dough forms, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Take the dough out of the refrigerator.

Form the dough into rolls about 8 inches long and as thick as a pencil.

Shape each roll into a pretzel shape.

In a small bowl, mix egg white with milk to create an egg wash.

Brush each pretzel with the egg white/milk mixture.

Sprinkle the pretzels with chopped almonds.

Place the pretzels on a baking sheet.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.