Sicilian Fruit Filled Pastry

Ingredients

8 c flour
3 c confectioners sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 c shortening
2 egg yolks
3 t vanilla
1 water
2 lb dry figs
1/4 c brandy
1 c applesauce
1 1/2 t orange rind
3/4 c raisins
6 oz chocolate bits
1 t allspice
3/4 c candied citron
1/2 c almonds
1/4 c dark molasses
1/2 c walnuts
1/4 c dates
1 t nutmeg
1 t cinnamon

Instructions

1/2 ct Confectioners sugar 1 ea Egg white Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 t Vanilla

Prepare Dough: Combine flour, confectioners sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening; add yolks and vanilla. Blend and knead. If a little dry, ass cold water a tablespoon at a time to form a pliable dough. Cut into four parts, knead each well, cover and let rest 1 hour.

Prepare Filling: Immerse dry figs in hot water for about 5 minutes, drain, remove stem and chop. Mix with all other filling ingredients and refrigerate 1-2 hours.

Prepare Icing: Blend all ingredients together to form a soft icing.

Finish: Roll out dough to a rectangular sheet to 1/8-1/4" thickness. Cut into strips 4" wide. Place filling along edge of strip to about 1 1/2-2" to the edge. Roll dough over to form a tube. Press edges together. Cut diagonally into 2-3" pieces, cut a slit on top. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Do not crowd. Bake in preheated oven 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until golden in color. Spread icing on warm cookies; return cookies to oven for a few minutes to set and dry icing.