Success!

My son Wheezy had a play date in the afternoon. I sent him and his buddy outside and put the accompanying parent straight to work. There was measuring, mixing, and cookie forming to do and I realized that I could not do it alone. Poor fellow thought he could sit in the sunshine and watch the children flit and frolic about. What a fool, I told him I HAD to make Easter cookies. I made him an espresso so that he could keep up the pace.

Anyway after about 3 hours of measuring, mixing, flour poofing in the air, and numerous rings of the oven timers, 3 dozen sweet, crispy golden twists emerged. We had another espresso and sampled. They are great! Truly! It only took 3 tries and I think I got it.

They are good enough to give away, so I wrapped three little gift plates that I will hand out tomorrow. One for Wheezy's teacher, one for the school office (not sure why but I just do not know that many people in town and there are 3 dozen) and another for my accomplice, play date's father.

Now about koulourakia, until this moment I never really cared for them. I always thought they were boring and bland. Not now, I have a whole different appreciation for them. They are scrumptious little vanilla butter yumminess. Perfect for coffee. Italian biscotti have nothing on these. Do not even mention those horrid British butter cookies, that is blasphemy.

I know I said that internet recipes are useless in my last post,  but as this one is mine,  I will put it up and let you decide. 










Here is the recipe I followed:

4 sticks of softened unsalted butter and one tub of salted whipped butter
9 egg yolks
4 whole eggs
2 1/2 to 3 cups of sugar (depends upon your sweetness preference)
1/3 cup heavy cream
5 tsp baking power
Seeds of 3 vanilla bean pods
12 cups of cake flour (almost 2 boxes)
2 tbsp brandy

Beat eggs and sugar for 20 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Beat the butter, vanilla beans and brandy separately for another 5 minutes. Mix the egg and butter mixture together and beat until combined.

Add baking powder to cream and mix into the batter. Add flour slowly into egg butter mixture. This takes a bit of judgement, but when the dough easily rolls and sticks to together, you have incorporated enough flour.

Roll the dough into small and logs and create small twists. There is also the method preferred by Wheezy which involves smashing it into the cookie sheet. Of course it is up to you. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350f for 20 minutes or until golden brown.