Mariza's Kourabiethes - Greek Christimas Cookies

A couple of years ago, I joined the Shapiro family for my first ever Passover Seder. I’d seen Tami’s photos from previous years and I couldn’t wait to experience the real thing. Being Greek, I was used to big family celebrations that involved food and ritual, but there is something to be said about the Shapiro family’s get togethers. There is some sort of alchemy that happens when they’re all in a room together. There is a feeling of warmth and good natured humour that makes non-family members feel incredibly welcomed and makes us not want to leave. I will never forget Rosie’s lamb with stewed figs and other mediterranean fruits and being invited to ask one of the Passover questions. But the most powerful memory from that evening is the feeling of togetherness and so my recipe is inspired by that. Kourabiethes are a holiday cookie that is most closely tied to Christmas, though some people make them for every holiday. The white powdered cookies are a staple and they are often made in big batches and distributed to family and friends around the holidays. So in the spirit of family and friends and celebration, I give you the recipe that was passed down to me from my mother, who still has hers written on a piece of paper from a daytimer from 1978 (the year I was born).