Mrs fields russian tea cakes

1      c             butter
   2      c             flour
     1/2  c             Confectioners' sugar
     1/4  tsp           Salt
   2      tsp           vanilla extract
                        -----TOPPING-----
     1/2  c             Fruit preserves OR
     1/4  c             Confectioners' sugar
     1/2  c             chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 325d F.  In a large bowl cream butter and sugar using an
electric mixer.  Add vanilla, scraping down bowl as needed. Blend in flour
and salt, mixing until thoroughly combined.  Roll tablespoonfuls of dough
into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place dough balls on lightly
greased cookie sheets about 1 inch apart. Press down the center of each
ball with a spoon, forming a depression. Fill each with a teaspoonful of
preserves or nuts. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer
cookies immediately to a cool, flat surface. When cookies are completely
cool, dust them lightly with confectioners' sugar.