Saturday, 25 October 2014

Kourabiedes or Kourabiethes (Greek: Kουραμπιέδες)

Korabiedes
Today I would like to share with you all a recipe I learnt from a friend of mine. They are easy to make and are addictive. Greek Butter Biscuits called Kourabiedes (Greek: Kουραμπιέδες)



Ingredients
·         1 Cup butter, softened
·         ½ Cup icing sugar
·         1 egg yolk
·         1 tablespoon Brandy or Ouzo (I have used Metaxa [Μεταξά])
·         1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
·         2 ½ to 3 cups plain flour (approximately)
·         1 Cup ground almonds
·         1 packet icing sugar for dusting

Method 
1.   Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4.
2.   Mix the butter and the icing sugar until light and fluffy.
3.   Beat in the egg yolk and brandy, then almonds and the flour (start with 2 ½ cups and add little extra if the dough is runny) to form a soft, firm dough.
4.   Make the cookies in your desired shape (I preferred the round shape as it was easy to make)
5.   Place on a baking tray, allowing room for spreading slightly.
6.   Bake for 15 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7.   Meanwhile, sift a layer of icing sugar into a large roasting tin.
8.   Remove biscuits, allow to cool slightly then place in the tin in a single layer.
9.   Sift over more icing sugar (generously) and cool for 3-4 hours.

Tip: Try the biscuits without the icing coat (leave the steps from 7 to 9).