Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cakes) - Unknown Cookbook

These cakes are traditional Christmas Cookies, but are also served at wedding for good luck. 
The clove in the center of the cookies represents to the spices brought to the Christ Child by the Wise Men. 

2 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup softened salted or sweet butter
1/2 cup sifted confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon brandy or cognac
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 dozen whole cloves
Confectioner's sugar

Sift flour and salt together. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. Mix in brandy or cognac and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients, mixing well. Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes. Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into small oval cakes about 2 inches long. Place cakes, 1 inch apart, on an ungreased baking sheet. Stick the stem of a whole clove down in the center of each cake.

Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for 10-12 minutes, or until a sandy color. Transfer cookies to a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while warm.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.