Koulourakia Smyrneika (Smyrna Biscuits)

These biscuits are traditionally made by the Greeks of Smyrna and their descendants. They are lovely to have with coffee and/or tea. Baking ammonia can be purchased at drugstores in North America. The yield I mention is arbitrary as it depends on the shape and size of the biscuits you make.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 3 dozen

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. 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. Knead the ingredients together well until you have a soft, pliable dough.
3. Shape dough into shapes of your choosing. 'S' shapes, braids and snails are popular in Greece.
4. Place on a greased cookie sheet, or parchment-lined or silpat and brush with beaten egg white.
5. Bake at 375F (180C) for 20 minutes.
6. Note: If you can find a 'soft' flour, suitable for pastry-making, your koulourakia will be more authentic.