Cookie #48 - Nevada Sand Tarts

Nevada is such a fascinating state to me.  Over 85% of the state's 2.8 million residents live in Las Vegas and Reno.  Not hard to believe when you learn that 86% of the state's land is owned by the US Federal Government. 
Since most of Nevada is desert, I chose a cookie to mimic the texture of sand.  This cookie is crumbly and sort of dry, but the flavor is fantastic and the nuts make them nice and crunchy.

Nevada Sand Tarts

1 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 confectioner's sugar

1 3/4 cup flour

1 cup finely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Cream butter, vanilla and sugar until smooth.  Gradually add flour and mix until just combined.  Stir in chopped pecans.

Shape dough into crescents about 2" wide and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until just golden brown.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

If desired, sprinkle with more confectioner's sugar.