The Covered Dish - Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes

This week I’ve chosen one of my favorite cookies of all times. And oh so very simple from the ingredients to the baking. I’ve chosen it as my subtle celebration of my son, Phillip’s wedding, Nov. 21.
I am as bubbly as a kid on Christmas morning. Phillip and Paige wanted a small wedding, without all the expense and over the top ‘stuff’. Boy do I understand their viewpoint. They are having the ceremony for immediate family only, then a reception a couple hours later. When I realized the ‘gap’ space we might have I threw myself into entertaining mode, realizing our grandparents would enjoy someplace to relax for an hour or so before the party begins.
Nothing over the top, but I thought a batch of Mexican Wedding Cookies would be appropriate and delicious. A little coffee, a sweet treat and a recliner should fill the bill.
This simple buttery cookie has been around for a very long time. I don’t recall my mother making them, but they were one of my favorite cookies. Hey, you can’t beat the butter, right? Known by lots of different names, the cookie is found in many countries. It’s a bit like a calzone from Italy, or the Runza, all are basically the same, just a little different filling,
This week I’ve thought about my parents and what joy they would find in the celebration of their grandson’s marriage. I’ve always been one to value cherished family items. My mom, kept many family heirlooms, but I’m the one who was always digging out grandmother’s china, or the old quilts because it meant so much to me. When Phillip exchanges his vows he does so with his grandfather’s wedding band.
As we begin the reception the bridal table will be covered in a crocheted ‘Richardson’ family tablecloth.(That’s my mother’s side of the family.) The pendant the bride will be wearing is from my mother’s 25th anniversary,
Indeed, it will be a glorious day, memories will be made, and our hearts will be so full of happiness and joy.
As you begin to plan the cookies for the season, don’t overlook these little charmers. They will please the palate, as they shake a little powdered sugar on your once perfect attire. Oh, one more thing, for some reason I always see these sweet treats served in a metal tin, much like the Manor Fruitcake tins.
Happy Baking, don’t forget to work on that Thanksgiving shopping list! Simply yours, The Covered Dish.

Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes
1 cup butter, do not melt
1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
3⁄4 cup finely chopped English Walnuts
2 1⁄4 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
Additional powdered sugar for rolling the cookie
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter into the 1⁄2 cup of powdered sugar. I usually use a mixer on this recipe. Follow up with the remaining walnuts, flour and vanilla. Roll into balls about the size of a walnut. Place the cookies on a parchment covered cookie sheet.
Bake 12-14 minutes, watch carefully, being cautious not to let them get brown. Cool slightly and roll into powdered sugar. Consider rolling a second time for a good coat. This should yield 3-4 dozen cookies.