1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1/2 tsp. brandy (optional but recommended)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cloves
confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix butter, sugar, egg yolks and flavorings together thoroughly. Blend flour, baking powder and cloves; stir into butter mixture. Mix well. Shape into 3/4-inch balls or shape into cylindrical 2-inch half moons.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes on lightly greased cookie sheet. Do not let brown. Let cool for 2 minutes, then remove from cookie sheet and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Submitted by: Barbara Koch