Basil-Pecan Sandies

Ingredients

• 5 fresh cinnamon basil leaves*
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Process basil and sugar in a blender or food processor until basil is minced.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan; add basil mixture, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in chopped pecans and vanilla; remove from heat.
3. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls onto ungreased baking sheets; flatten to 1/4-inch thickness with bottom of a large glass.
4. Bake cookies at 300° for 40 minutes or until golden. Remove to wire racks to cool.
5. *Regular basil may be substituted; increase ground cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.