GREEK BISCOTTI (PAXIMADIA)

"The Italians have biscotti; the Greeks have paximadia. These twice-baked cookies are typically dunked in coffee or wine. Paximadia made with whole wheat flour are harder than these which are made with white flour."

1 cup butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs plus 1 beaten egg
1 shot ouzo
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter and oil well in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups sugar and mix. Slowly add 3 eggs, ouzo, and vanilla. Add walnuts, raisins, baking powder, and baking soda. Add flour and mix just until the dough comes together.

Shape into 4 loaves and place on sheet tray. Brush with beaten egg and top with remaining 1/2 cup sugar.

Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Remove from oven. Slice loaves into 34-inch pieces and return to oven and bake until golden, about another 20 minutes longer.

Yields 20 cookies
Source: My Big Fat Greek Feast by George Kyrtatas