Bisochos (sesame seed biscuits)

Makes: about 40 Preparation: 45 minutes Cooking e: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

385–420g plain flour, plus more for rolling

2 tsp baking powder

1⁄4 tsp kosher salt

3 eggs

120 ml vegetable oil 200g sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp finely grated orange zest Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

METHOD:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 385g flour, the baking powder, and salt.

In a stand mixer (or using a handheld electric mixer and a large bowl), beat 2 of the eggs, the oil, sugar, vanilla, and orange zest at mediumhigh speed until pale and creamy, 2–3 minutes.

Add the flour mixture in two additions, beating to incorporate and scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, until a firm but pliable dough forms. If the dough is too wet or sticky to handle, add up to 35g additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time as needed, until the desired consistency is reached. (You may not need all of the additional flour.)

Working on a lightly floured surface, pinch off a walnutsize piece of dough and roll it into a rope that is 15cm long and about 1.25cm thick. Repeat with several more pieces of dough. Using a sharp knife, score little notches about 16mm apart along the length of each of the ropes.

With the notched edge facing out, form each rope into a ring, gently pressing the ends together to seal.

Place on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat the rolling, scoring, and shaping process until all of the dough is used.

In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg. Brush the rings with a little egg (you may not use all of it) and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Bake, rotating the sheets front to back halfway through, until the cookies are Traditional treats to break your fast gently puffed and golden brown, 20–25 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Recipes adapted from The Jewish Cookbook