It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas

I adore Christmas. I love it when December 1st rolls around, and I can crank the carols, put up my tree and start baking. I think I have inherited this obsession with all things festive from my mother, and so many of the things I love to do and cook this time of year are from her, and from the things she has traditionally cooked in our family home.
Without fail, one of the most beloved of Christmas treats are Jen's Russian teacakes. Buttery, sugary, short bread balls with a subtle crunch of walnuts. These are always a favourite among family and friends alike.

Jen's Russian Tea Cakes

Ingredients:

250gm butter, softened

1/2 cup icing sugar (sifted)

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

2 and 1/4 cups plain flour, sifted

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Additional icing sugar for coating

Recipe:

• Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy
• Blend in sifted flour and salt
• Stir in walnuts
• Chill dough in the fridge for 1 hour (at least)
• Roll teaspoons of dough into balls and place on paper lined baking trays (should make about 50)
• Bake at 170 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until set but not brown
• Roll once in icing sugar while still warm, then cool on wire rack. When completely cool roll in icing sugar again.
• Store in airtight container.

I hope they are as enjoyed at your Christmas as they are at ours xx