Mississippi Mist Pie

Just a personal note about these treats. I can recall my mom, aunt and Grandmother (Polish) getting together before Christmas and making a cookie almost identical to these called Hrusty (love knots). They would make them together a typical cold snowy Saturday. My Dad did the frying in our basement where he had a gas burner set up near one of the windows so the fumes went outside. Of course, a supply of "cold ones" was close by, 'cause this was hard work. My job was to bring cutting boards loaded with the cut and twisted knots from the kitchen down to the basement. They made bushels of these, which were kept in the "cold room" we had in the basement. There were always some left for the Easter table. I have seen similar recipes in many cookbooks, but this is the closest to the ones we made and still do when the spirit moves us.

1/2 C Milk 2 Eggs ++ beaten 2 Tb Rum, Gin Or Vodka 1/4 C Sugar 1/2 Ts Salt 2 1/2 C All-Purpose Flour : ++ sifted (up to 3 C) : Fat ++ for frying : Confectioner's Sugar : Cinnamon

Combine milk, eggs, liquor, sugar and salt in a large bowl. MIx well. Gradually add flour, enough to make a stiff dough. Turn out on a floured board and knead until smooth. Roll out thinly and cut into approximately 36 5-by-1-inch strips. Make a lengthwise slit down the center of each strip, allowing 1 inch on each end uncut. Put one end of the dough through the slit to form a sort of loop. Deep-fry in hot fat (375X F. on a frying thermometer), about 10 at a time, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain. To serve, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and cinnamon. Makes about 3 doz.

NOTES : These cookies take their name, khvorost, from the Russian word for firewood kindling -
twigs or branches -
which they somewhat resemble.

Shared by: Dan Klepach

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