Koulourakia - a Greek Pastry

The ethic foods our family grew up with include foods from traditional Sweden and Germany. And, although many ethnic foods have become a main staple in the USA over the past 30 years or so (Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Cuban all come to mind...) you are still hard pressed to find Lutfisk, Lefse and Brunkal at your local restaurant or fast food place. (In the case of Lutfisk, I have to admit, I prefer it that way... LOL).

Over the years, I've come to like many Greek foods. Thankfully those have managed to find their way into American hearts as well. One of their pastries, you may have only had at a Greek Food Fair or perhaps at a Greek restaurant, but it's one you can easily make at home with ingredients you probably have on hand. It's a pastry called Koulourakia (sometimes spelled differently) - which is traditionally served as a twisted rope, sprinkled with sesame seeds. It's not sweet, which is probably why I like it.



Koulourakia

1 cup butter, room temperature
3 eggs
4 c
3/4 c sugar
3 t baking powder
1 t vanilla
1 beaten egg
Sesame seeds

Cut the butter into the flour and mix with your fingers or two knives. Add baking powder. Beat the eggs with the sugar and add to the flour mixture with the vanilla. Knead thoroughly. Add more flour in small increments if the dough is too sticky. Grabbing a bit of dough about the size of a golf ball, roll out into strips about 3/4 inch wide, fold in half and give it two twists. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking at 350 degree's for about 20 minutes. Cool.