What Is A Coo-Chee Dot

What is a Coo-Chee Dot? If you're Italian and from Utica, you should already know.

This is a recipe for an Italian cookie and this puppy is not easy to make and very labor intensive. This recipe is my sister in laws that she got from her grandmother and has been passed down for years, dating back to the old country, yes Italy.

Now we know if you know what this is you are probably full blooded Italian and born and raised here in Utica.

Here is the recipe if you really want to give it a shot. Good Luck

LYDIA’S CUCCIDATI RECIPE

DOUGH
4 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1Tablespoon baking powder
2 sticks butter
2 eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1Tablespoon vanilla

Cream butter and add wet ingredients until creamy. Add dry ingredients and knead with hands or mix with dough hook.

FILLING
1 to 1 1/2 cups of dried figs
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 cup chopped walnuts ( can be toasted...optional)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 orange marmalade
1/4 cup rum or brandy
2 tsp orange zest
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Grind all filling ingredients in food processor with the first two first then adding the rest. This can be prepared the day before and refrigerated. Make room temperature before filling cookie. It’s easier to work with.

Cut dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle. Spoon the filling down the center then roll up like a jelly roll. Let the seam go underneath. Cut each log on the diagonal with a floured knife.

Bake on parchment paper at preheated 375 oven for 12-15 minutes until bottom golden brown.

SHINEY CONFECTIONARY GLAZE

2 1/4 cups confectionary sugar
2 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 1/2 - 2 tablespoon milk plus 1 Tsp

Whisk and frost cooled cookies. Food coloring can be added. You may to increase and or decrease sugar/milk to your desired consistency.

I add colored sprinkles. Also optional.