Koulourakia Smyrneika (Smyrna Biscuits)

Ingredients

• 5 cups flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 6 ounces butter, melted
• 3 ounces milk, lukewarm
• 1/2 teaspoon level baking ammonia
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 beaten egg white

Directions

1. 1

   Sift the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and add melted butter, eggs, salt, sugar and vanilla. Dissolve baking ammonia in the milk and add that to the flour mixture, too.

2. 2

   Knead the ingredients together well until you have a soft, pliable dough.

3. 3

   Shape dough into shapes of your choosing. 'S' shapes, braids and snails are popular in Greece.

4. 4

   Place on a greased cookie sheet, or parchment-lined or silpat and brush with beaten egg white.

5. 5

   Bake at 375F (180C) for 20 minutes.

6. 6

   Note: If you can find a 'soft' flour, suitable for pastry-making, your koulourakia will be more authentic.