My Sicilian Grandmother used to make these treats for us every Easter. I made this recipe this past Easter (2008) and everyone loved them. Do not over-bake. They are not supposed to be brown.

BISCOTTI - PUPA CU L'OVA

4 cups flour
6 teaspoons baking powder
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup of milk
1 teaspoon Anise Extract.
about 1 teaspoon anise seed (optional)
hard boiled eggs
10X sugar and milk (or water)
food coloring
little colored candies (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine flour and baking powder; set aside.

Mix together softened butter and sugar; add 2 eggs. Combine flour mixture with butter-egg-sugar mixture. Add milk, anise extract, and anise seed (if using). After mixing, let rest for about 15 minutes.

Knead on lightly floured surface.

Here is where you use your imagination. It's supposed to look like a bird's nest: Make a base (about 4-5-inches in diameter each) and place a hard boiled egg in the center. I use scissors and make slits around the base. Add a small piece of cookie dough on top of the egg. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cookie dough. Do not over-bake (they are not supposed to be brown). Remove from oven and cool.

Make an icing with 10X sugar and milk (or water). Divide and add pretty pastel food coloring. Drizzle over cookie (top of egg) and base of cookie (nest). Sometimes I sprinkle some little colored candies over icing.

VARIATION:

FOR COOKIES:
Roll a small piece of dough into a rope about 5-inches long and tie a loose knot. Bake same as above (they make take less time). Glaze same as above.