Recipe - Rafiola Kokokarion (Coconut Pastries W Glaceed Fruit)

3 Potatoes
3 tablespoon Granulated sugar
1 pn Salt
2 Egg yolks
4 cup Finely shredded coconut
1 One half cup Glaceed fruit
Confectioners' sugar

(Author's note): In a Cretan zacharoplasteion (sweet shop), we were so
intrigued by these coconut pastries (among the newer breed) that I tried
them at home. You can expect the potato pastry to be a bit difficult to
manipulate, and you can also anticipate compliments on the results.
Attractive and tasty, not excessively sweet.

Boil the potatoes in their jackets until fork tender, then drain and remove
the skins and all spots. Return the potatoes to the pan and dry over medium
heat, shaking pan constantly. Push the potatoes through a mill or ricer,
then combine in a large bowl with the sugar and salt. When somewhat cool,
add the egg yolks and coconut and knead until smooth. Refrigerate for 2
hours.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and knead until smooth enough to
roll. If sticky, dust lightly with flour. Roll out on a floured board to
1/4inch thickness, then, using a glass with a 31/2inch diameter, cut the
pastry into rounds.

Meanwhile, mince the glaceed fruit. Place 1 tablespoon on the center of
each of the pastry rounds. Lift one side with a spatula and fold over the
other half, forming a halfcircle. Press the edges together and place on a
baking sheet. Continue until all have been stuffed, then bake in a moderate
oven (350 F) for 15 minutes, or until firm; the pastries will be white.
Remove and cool for 10 minutes, then roll in confectioners' sugar and cool
completely. Store in a covered container.

Note: In Crete this pastry is cut with a serrated pastry cutter producing
an attractive edging.

From: "The Food of Greece" by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles. Avenel Books, New
York.

Typed for you by Karen Mintzias
Sent to me by Bill wight@odc.net