Holiday Nostalgia

Ana reminisces about a past holiday tradition.

I lived with my grandparents for several years while my dad worked overseas. Christmas was a festive time. Lots of decorations, a huge tree in front of the fireplace, eggnog (spiked, of course).

I was a foodie from a very young age, so I have fond memories of special holiday treats. My grandmother's cook was from Lithuania.

Tillie loved to bake, and she loved that I loved to sample her treats. Here is her recipe for 'Coo-coons.' It's remarkably similar to recipes from other cultures, which reinforces my feeling that the holiday spirit is universal.

Tillie's Coo-coons
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
4 Tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla and 1 cup flour. Mix well.
Add remaining flour and nuts.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees F.
Bake cookie balls until lightly golden, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Immediately roll in powdered sugar, and then roll again, until balls are well covered with powdered sugar. Cool.
Store in a covered container.