UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS HONEY COOKIES MEDIANYKY

These Christmas cookies are a perennial favorite. They may be rolled out and cut into rounds, stars, or crescents. Often they are hung on the lower branches of the Christmas tree as treats for the younger children.

4 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup powdered sugar (icing)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 extra large eggs
1 cup honey
2 tablespoons chopped orange peel

1 egg beaten with a little water for glaze
20 blanched almonds (without peel)
coarse sugar crystals

Sift together flour, spices, sugar, and baking powder. Add eggs, honey, and orange peel to make a stiff dough. On a floured work surface, roll out dough about 1/2 inch thick. Cut shapes with cookie cutter, place on nonstick baking sheet, and brush with glaze.

Place 1/2 almond in the middle of each, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake in preheated 350 degrees oven until done, about 15 minutes. Cool on racks. Store in tightly covered tins.