Valentine Smith’s Scottish Butterballs

(Another old Nova Scotian/Scots recipe)

My Grandmother used to make these for Christmas every year.

The recipe is a variation of an old favourite Scots ice-box cookie.

This also came to my Nan from her husbands Lovett connection.

2/3 Cup of Butter

3/4 Cup of White Sugar

4 Tablespoons Cocoa (Fry's is best)

1 Tablespoon of Water

1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla

2 Cups Rolled Oats (not instant)

Mix the dry ingredients well.

The add the butter, make sure that the butter is very soft, almost runny.

Blend into a smooth well-mixed paste.

Add the Vanilla and knead well by hand.

Add water and re-knead.

Roll into small balls, about 1 inch, then roll in Icing Sugar (Confectioners).

Place in freezer, covered.  The longer they sit frozen, the better (good-luck).