Enjoy the delicious melomakarona, a traditional Christmas recipe suitable for both the young and the old.
Ingredients
For the dough:
240 ml extra virgin olive oil
120 ml orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
100 grams granulated sugar
80 ml brandy or cognac
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp baking soda
Approximately 400 grams all-purpose flour (you may need a little more)
For the syrup:
240 grams honey
240 grams granulated sugar
240 ml water
1 lemon peel
1 cinnamon stick
For the topping:
120 grams chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Prepare the Dough:
a. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, brandy or cognac, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix well.
b. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in a tablespoon of warm water.
c. Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until you have a soft, pliable dough. Add the flour gradually until the dough is easy to handle and not too sticky.
Shape the Melomakarona:
a. Take a small portion of the dough and shape it into an oval or round cookie. Place it on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
b. Repeat until all the dough is used.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Syrup:
a. While the melomakarona are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
b. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Soak the Melomakarona: Once the melomakarona are baked, dip them into the warm syrup, coating each one completely. Let them soak for a minute or two.
Top with chopped walnuts: Place the melomakarona on a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped walnuts while it is still moist from the syrup.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the melomakarona to cool completely before serving. Serve them with a cup of Greek coffee or tea. Enjoy your festive baking!
