Italian Christmas Cookies (Filled)

• 3 1/2 cups pastry flour
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (says a pinch)
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped (pecans work too)
• 1/2 cup raisins, ground (in a food processor)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

1. Sift together flours and salt.
2. Cut shortening into flour mixture.
3. Melt 1/2 + 1/3 cup sugar in 1/2 cup water and pour into flour mixture and mix.
4. Roll out and cut into circles the size of a large can like fruit comes in, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
5. Make the filling by mixing together nuts, 2 tbsp sugar, and raisins.
6. Place a tablespoonful of filling on one side of each circle.
7. Wet the edges of the circle, fold over (should look like a half moon), and seal with a fork.
8. Prick the top of all assembled cookies with a fork to vent.
9. Bake at 400F for 7-10 minutes, until just turning golden.
10. Let cool.
11. Dust lightly with powdered sugar or make frosting by mixing 1 tbsp water, powdered sugar, and vanilla. If desired, frosting may be tinted with food coloring and sprinkles may be put on cookies immediately after frosting.

pastry flour, flour, salt, shortening, shortening, sugar, sugar, water, sugar, walnuts, raisins, water, powdered sugar, vanilla

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/italian-christmas-cookies-filled-420915 (may not work)