Kourabiedes: Greek Festive Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 1/2 pounds fitini butter or 6 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• (Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground gum powder from Hios Island in Greece)
• 1/4 cup rose water
• 1/4 cup ouzo
• 1 large egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 pounds all-purpose flour

Final Touches:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup rose water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a large baking sheet lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Fry or bake slivered almonds until a light golden brown.

Beat butter in blender or with a hand mixer on high for 20 to 30 minutes until white, light and creamy. Add the egg and yolks one at a time mixing well to incorporate.

Add 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, optional gum powder, rose water, ouzo and then almonds.

Next sift together baking powder and flour. Slowly add to mixture,

The final dough should be soft and easy to work with. So now form them into small balls -- about a fist-full. Form like dumplings and imprint thumb on all sides of the cookie.

Bake for 10 to 20 minutes until light golden brown. Immediately splash with hand a mixture of 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup rose water.

Finally, place cookies on a serving tray and use a sifter to sprinkle powdered sugar on cookies until coated.

Then say, "Hopa" and enjoy with friends and family!!!

A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. Food Network Kitchens has not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.