Italian Fig Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Garnish: multicolored nonpareils*
• 3/4 cup mild honey
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 3/4 cup raisins (3 3/4 oz)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
• 3/4 cup whole almonds (4 oz), and coarsely chopped
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh orange zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup walnuts (3 oz), and coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange or lemon zest
• 2 sticks (1 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup packed soft dried Mission figs (8 oz), hard tips discarded
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten