Melomakarona
Melomakarona
A winter treat and a very traditional Greek Christmas cookie.
A delicious cookie dipped in a honey and spicy syrup,a treat that can make us so happy,especially the young….. A traditional recipe that has proved that it can take the test of time!
We have so many recipes,every house,every village throughout Greece has a different version, like my grand mother used to say,every chimney has smoke but it does not mean that every kitchen has something delicious to offer… the same with the Melomakarona,some you like and you ask what the secret is, hoping they will share,some you really don’t and can’t even finish your bite…
But this chimney has a recipe worth trying….
- Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (unsalted butter room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup icing sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup Brandy
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1 cup walnuts, coarsely ground
With mixer beat, butter oil and sugar till light and fluffy (5-7 minutes)
Add egg yolks and the liquids. Continue beating, slowly incorporate dry ingredients.
Remove from mixer and kneed by hand, adding the flour slowly.
Dough should be soft. Shape mixture into oval shapes.
Bake in medium heat (325 for 25-30 minutes)
Syrup:
- Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 slices of lemon
Place all ingredients in a heavy pan
Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, removing the froth that forms.
Dip Melomakarona in the hot syrup, remove and place in a large flat container.
Pour any remaining syrup gently over the Melomakarona, sprinkle with walnuts and let them stay overnight to absorb the syrup.
Your Melomakarona are ready to be placed in paper cups.
PS I love them with a dollop of chocolate,here is how.
Temper or melt 6 ounces of semi sweet chocolate or 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 tsp of coconut oil in a double boiler,or bain marie.If coconut oil is not available you can use vegetable oil.
With a rubber spatula, mix very well until nice and smooth,remove from heat and place 1 tsp of melted chocolate on top of the Melomakarona,sprinkle with the walnuts and Voila,a beautiful addition to the delicious Melomakarona.