Start by preparing the filling. I usually do this the day before, so it can cool down completely.

Toast and roughly chop/crush all the nuts.

Chop the dried figs and candied fruits.

Put all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a saucepan, heat it up and let it cook on a slow flame for 5 minutes. Stir well.

Let it cool down completely and then add the chocolate chips. Stir it and keep it aside.

Now, make the dough. Put all the ingredients in the bowl of a mixer with a hook attachment and knead for 5 minutes or until you get a smooth and pliable dough. Wrap in cling wrap and let it rest for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Take the dough out and roll it into a rectangle of 15 cm by 30 cm (6 to 12 inches). Make a sausage out of the filling and put it in the centre of the rectangle. Lift one long side of the dough over the filling and fold the other side over the top of the first. Press to seal it.

Cut 2.5 cm – 1 inch slices out of the log and gently transfer them, seam side down, onto a baking sheet.

Refrigerate for 1 hour, then bake the cookies in a pre heated oven at 200°C – 390°F for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool down.

In the meantime, make the water based glaze by mixing a little water with some icing sugar. Make sure to add the water little by little so the glaze doesn't come out too runny (though it has to be runny enough to easily spoon it over the cookies).

When the cookies have cooled down completely, spoon the glaze over them and sprinkle with some colourful Hundreds and Thousands and let them dry completely before serving.