1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. caster sugar
1 tsp. vanilla essence
3 eggs
5 c. plain flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. sesame seeds

1. Cream butter and sugar with vanilla essence until light and fluffy.

2. Beat eggs, reserve 1 tbsp. for glazing and add remainder gradually to butter mixture, beating well.

3. Sift dry ingredients twice and stir into creamed mixture to form a soft dough.

4. Knead a little with hands. Chill for 1 hour.

5. Scatter some sesame seeds lightly on one side of pastry board.

6. Shape pieces of dough into thick pencil shapes and roll onto the sesame seeds to coat lightly or according to taste.

7. Double over rolled dough and twist, or form into rings, figure eights or coils.

8. Place on greased baking trays and glaze with reserved egg beaten with a little milk.

9. Bake in a moderate oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

10. Cool on wire rack and store in airtight container. Makes 7 dozen. Oven temperature 375 degrees.

Variation: Roll dough in granulated sugar instead of sesame seeds. This is a Greek recipe.