Buttery Almond Cookies

A simple and tasty recipe from my very first cookbook given to me for my 11th birthday!

1 cup butter (2 sticks) at room temperature

2/3 cup sugar

pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup chopped almonds or whatever nuts you have handy

Using an electric mixer, combine the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla. Mix until creamed together; scrape sides. Add flour and nuts and continue mixing until the dough looks like moist pebbles.

Gently squeeze the dough together with your hands; when it comes together place it on a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands shape the dough into a log 10' long, two inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, around three hours.

Preheat the oven to 350'F and line three baking sheets with foil.

Unwrap the dough and cut slices 1/4' thick. Place on the baking sheets about an inch apart (they spreed a bit). Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 14-16 minutes. When they're done place them on a rack to cool completely. Repeat for the other baking sheets.

Makes about 40 cookies