Well I'll have to say that our Thanksgiving weekend was full of family and fun.  We starting off in Chicago for a wonderful time with my husband's family on Thanksgiving day.  Then we rushed home to meet my sister, my niece and brother in law in Columbus on Friday.  They came in from Las Vegas for the holidays.  It was so great to spend time with them.  It was especially great to see my niece who is 13 months and growing like a weed.  My house was definitely not prepared for baby whose on the move.  She was into everything but managed to stay out of any real trouble. 

    To make sure that other family members were able to spend time with Jen, my sister, and her family I organized a Cookie Day on Saturday.  She made me promise to keep their visit a surprise, and boy was it.  My Aunt Debbie couldn't get her coat off fast enough once she saw Lilly (my niece), to smother her in hugs and kisses.  

     All and all I think our first annual Cookie Day was a success.  We ended up making 5 different cookies, with everyone contributing one recipe.  My Aunt Debbie was the only on top of it, by having a copy or her recipe for each of us to keep.   So that is the recipe I will share with you today.  Next year I'll make sure to collect the other ones.  :)

Butter Balls by Aunt Debbie

Preheat oven to 400*

Ingredients: 1 C softened butter, 1/2 C powdered sugar (+ 1/2 C set aside), 1 tsp vanilla, 2 1/4 C flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 C finely chopped nuts 

Instructions: 

1. Mix butter, sugar and vanilla

2. Work in flour, salt and nuts until dough holds together

3. Shape dough into 1 inch balls.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set but not browned

5. Remove from oven

6. While warm roll in additional powdered sugar, then let cool

7. After they have cooled, roll again in sugar

Enjoy!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined." H.D. Thoreau