CUCIDATI (Italian Fig Cookies)
Elliot shares the following: CUCIDATI (Italian Fig Cookies) These cookies are a little time consuming, but well worth the effort! It's a Christmas favorite! Preparation time approximately 2¼ hours yields: approximate 36 cookies Ingredients: 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup vegetable shortening 1 large egg 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup milk Filling 1 cup dried figs 1 cup dried dates, pitted 3/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup orange marmalade 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped Icing 2 cups confectioners' sugar water or milk colored sprinkles Directions: For cookie dough, sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Add sugar and stir well. Cut in the shortening with a fork or pastry blender and work the mixture until it looks like corn meal. In a bowl, beat egg, vanilla and milk together. Add egg mixture to the flour mixture and m...