Traditional favorites: ‘Papasini’ for Christmas

Written by Judy Vig and Joy Paoletti
Thursday, 13 December 2012 11:56

It’s here ...the holiday season has arrived. Let the cookie baking begin! 

How many will we make this year? Should we make the usual traditional ones? The chocolate Hershey kiss with the peanut butter are the kids’ favorite, but ugh... we make them every year! Maybe we should try something new? The cookie baking is a big responsibility and a very important part of our holiday and if all the favorites are not on the table I’m sure we will hear about it from everyone.

Holiday time is cookie time and no one made better ones than our Mom and Nana. We remember them making all the traditional favorites, like a braided cookie with red and green sprinkles, a spicy-scented chocolate one called, Daw Daw (don’t ask!) or the much-loved anise cookie draped with a thick white icing and colored sprinkles. 

The holiday Papasini were always a hit as they were “Papa’s favorite” and the name was perfect! He loved helping to grind the walnuts and zest the oranges ... oh how we miss him....

The aromas floating throughout the house were so comforting and to this day still remind us of being a child through the holidays. I think we will stick to the fabulous old traditions.....let the cookie baking begin!! 

Holiday Papasini

1 cup sugar

9 cups flour

1.5 pounds lard

2 tsp. salt

4 tsp. baking powder

4 tbsp. orange rind

1 box currants (10 oz.)

1.5 cups crushed walnuts

orange juice

milk

confectioner’s sugar

sprinkles

Soak 1 box of currants in orange juice, just enough to cover the currants. Set aside for approximately 30 minutes, then drain and reserve orange juice. 

Mix sugar, flour, lard, salt, and baking powder in a blender until completely incorporated. Add orange rind, nuts, and currants and blend together. 

Use the remaining orange juice from the currants to moisten the ingredients (just enough to hold the dough together). Roll out dough on a floured surface to approximately half-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips approximately one-inch wide and then cut the strips into 2 inch pieces (cut at angles). Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake cookies on a greased baking sheet (spray is fine), for 15 minutes or until lightly browned, do not overcook! Set aside to cool before frosting.

Frosting:

Mix confectioner’s sugar with just enough milk to make a thick, smooth paste. Take the cookies and dip one side into the frosting coating one side of the cookie. Add colored sprinkles for decoration and allow frosting to set before storing or serving.

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