Holiday Cookie Recipe:

Happy Holidays from my kitchen to yours!

Enjoy this family favorite Greek holiday cookie recipe. My mom always says they get better as they sit. So make them now and get a head start on your holiday baking. Be sure to save some cookies for New Years Eve 2007 as these are a traditional New Years Greek cookie!

Be safe, have fun, and keep in touch!

Kourabiethes

Yield: 3 dozen

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup sugar

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoon Brandy

2 ½ cups flour
1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 pound powdered sugar, sifted

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. In a bowl mix the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy.
3. Mix in egg yolk and brandy.
4. Then slowly add flour and baking powder. Knead well until dough is smooth.
5. Divide dough in half. Mix cocoa powder into one half, mix until incorporated.
6. Take small pieces of dough and shape into balls using both even amounts of the chocolate and the plain dough to create a marble effect. Shape the size of a small egg, crescents, or into small pears and insert a clove in the top of each.
7. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake cookies 18-20 minutes.
8. Roll Kourabiethes while warm in powdered sugar. Then sift sugar over as they must be very well coated.

Variation: You may add 1/2 cup blanched and finely chopped almonds to the dough.