Snowballs

Ingredients 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter or margarine 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup finely chopped pecans 3/4 cup sifted confectioners sugar Nutritional Information 1 cookie: Calories 81 Saturated Fat 3g Total Fat 6g Protein 1g Carbohydrate 8g Fiber 0g Sodium 33mg Cholesterol 11mg

Introduction: This version of one of America's favorite cookies comes from Jean Dittrich of Mansfield, Ohio, who often serves them when entertaining friends. Makes about 4 dozen cookies. For more, just double the recipe. Preparation time: 45 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes. Cooling time: 15 minutes. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F; butter two baking sheets. Onto a piece of wax paper, sift the flour and salt. In a medium-size bowl, with an electric mixer on high, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in the vanilla. Step 2: Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture, then the pecans. Dust your hands with a little of the confectioners sugar and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets and bake for 25 minutes or just until light brown. Step 3: Transfer to racks to cool for 15 minutes, then roll in the confectioners sugar. These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze them.