I've heard these called both Mexican Wedding Cookies and Russian Wedding Cookies: take your pick. Either way, they're easy, almondy cookies that look pretty on a Christmas buffet and travel well. Use margarine instead of butter for a vegan variation.

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. water
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup powdered sugar

In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in vanilla and water. Add the flour and almonds, mix until blended. Cover and chill for an hour or two.

Preheat oven to 325°. Shape dough into balls. Place on an unprepared cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven.

Meanwhile, spread powdered sugar along the bottom of a shallow dish. Roll hot cookies in sugar. The sugar will get a bit melty and sticky. Allow to cool, then roll in sugar again. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.