Snowball cookies

Roast or saute the pecans in a small saute pan until just slightly brown and toasty, tasting so they do not burn; chop.

Mix the flour with the salt and powdered sugar.

Cut the softened butter into the flour with a fork or pastry cutter (or a food processor) until incorporated.

Add the chopped pecans (better before the butter) and the vanilla, and cut in.

With floured hands, bring the dough together, wrap in saran wrap and refrigerate about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Form teaspoons of dough into little balls.

Bake at 400 degrees about 10 to 12 minutes, no longer than 15; bigger cookies take longer.

Cool a few minutes on a cooling rack, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm; roll again when completely cool.