Cucidati - Italian Fruit Cookies

[Guest guest]

CUCIDITI - ITALIAN FRUIT COOKIES

 

This takes some time to prepare, but are well worth the work.

 

1 pound dried figs

1 cup raisins

2 1/2 teaspoons orange zest

1/2 pound chopped walnuts

1 cup honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup orange marmalade

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Grind the figs, raisins, orange zest and walnuts in a food processor, blender or

food grinder. If the mixture is too thick, a couple of tablespoons of water can

be added. Gradually blend in the honey, cinnamon, chocolate chips and orange

marmalade. Set aside.

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut in the

shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the eggs, milk and

vanilla until the mixture can be gathered into a ball. Turn the dough out onto a

lightly floured surface, and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.

 

Cut the dough into strips that are 4 inches wide. Spread filling onto one half

of each strip lengthwise. Fold the dough over to cover and seal the edges by

pressing on them with the tines of a fork. Slice the filled strips crosswise at

an angle about every inch or so. This will make diamond shapes. Place the

cookies onto the prepared cookie sheet.

 

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Remove from

the baking sheet to cool on wire racks. Glaze with your favourite confectioners'

glaze and top with sprinkles for added festivity.

MAKES 5 dozen.