Russian Tea Cakes

My mom always made a plethora of amazing cookies during the holidays. Its so hard to pick my favorite, between her almond roca, sugar cookies and peanut brittle....I chose one that is easy and really beautiful (and I was able to actually find her original recipe card).  Some call them Mexican wedding cakes, snowballs, southern pecan butterball...my mom called them Russian tea cakes so thats what I will stick with.  I used pecans, but feel free to switch it up w almonds or walnuts if you'd like!

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 flour
3/4 cup chopped nuts
1/4 tsp salt
1/4  tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 400F. Cream butter, vanilla and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. In separate bowl mix flour, salt, baking powder and nuts. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Chill dough for approximately 2 hours (can be made 2 days ahead). Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on non-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. While warm, roll in powdered sugar. Makes approx 4 dozen.

Casserole-style Mashed Potatoes

I usually make my mashed potatoes in the pot with butter, milk, salt and pepper. Just like my mom did. Of course there is nothing wrong with this standard method but I found a recipe that was not only amazing but easy to make even a whole day ahead! Hands down the BEST mashed potatoes I have ever made. 

4-5 lbs of yellow potatoes

1 cup of milk (appox)

3/4 stick of butter 

12 oz cream cheese 

1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup finely grated parmesan 

Peel and chop potatoes into 1-2 inch chunks. Drop into cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 mins. Drain water and add butter and cream cheese. Mix with hand mixer to break up lumps. Add milk until desired consistency. Add garlic, salt and pepper and mix. Place mashed potatoes in casserole dish (can be done a day or two ahead). Sprinkle parmesan on top of potatoes and place in preheated oven at 350F and bake for approx 15-20 mins until golden brown. You can serve with gravy if you want, but they don't need it! Enjoy!