Koulourakia

These cookies were my childhood. They were at every party or holiday, although they are a specialty for Easter. These cookies are great for kids to make and feel apart of the holiday activities because the dough is easy to handle in small hands and the shapes can be so much fun! Cookie making is a great time to pass down lessons and stories behind the traditional shapes, and then see what fun ones they come up with on their own! They are just one of the many traditional greek desserts served on Easter. There are always containers full left over, which can come in very handy for the avid entertainer. They stay good for a while, and they are convenient to have to serve alongside coffee or tea to an unexpected guest. Many Greek homes leave a small plate of them on their table everyday as a welcoming gesture to those entering their house, or a quick snack for their kids after school while they sit at the table and do their homework. Many also believe in leaving food or dried fruits on the table for the spirits of their Ancestors that may stop by to check in and bless the family. 

Behind this recipe: In my family my great-grandmother Katina made these the best. She was a cook in Athens before she moved to America to marry my great grandfather George I and help raise his children. She was the sweetest woman, who never used a recipe!

Sesame seeds are normally sprinkled on top, but my roommate hates the seed, so it was omitted this year.

Recipe: 

-8 cups of flour

-2 tsp baking powder

-1 pound (4 sticks) butter

-2 cups sugar

-6 eggs, lightly beaten

-2 tsp vanilla extract

-1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of cold water or milk for eggwash (keep separate, for last)

-jigger of brandy

-2 tsp orange juice

-1 orange rind

-mastica, ground up

-sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients together, knead the dough making sure all the butter pieces are worked into the dough. As flour as needed. Braid into shapes and lightly wash with the 1 egg mixture. Sprinkle on sesame seeds. Bake for 22 minutes at 350.