Melomakarona

V'nut-Beyond Redemption's Note:

Melomakarona are made by all Greek families in the week preceding Christmas.

• Total Time: 24 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 24 hrs 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 150 ml olive oil
• 80 g sugar
• 4 tablespoons brandy
• 1 orange, juice of
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 400 g self-raising flour
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Syrup

• 1 cup honey
• 120 g sugar
• 150 ml water

Topping

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 170 g shelled walnuts , coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. Beat the oil and sugar well, add the brandy, orange juice and cinnamon and blend.
2. Sift the flour with a pinch of salt and the soda and add it gradually into the oil and sugar mixture, mixing it with a spoon.
3. Knead the dough well for about 10 minutes.
4. If too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons more flour and mix it well.
5. Knead until it feels soft and pliable.
6. Flour your hands and take egg-sized portions of dough.
7. Roll and shape them into small oval shapes.
8. Place on an unbuttcred baking sheet, and flatten them with the paim of your hand.
9. Bake in a pre-heated oven, gas no.
10. 4/ 350 grades F/ 180 grades C, for 25 minutes.
11. Let them cool and harden for 24 hours before dipping them in the honey syrup.
12. Prepare the syrup by mixing in a saucepan the honey, sugar and water.
13. Bring slowly to the boil, skim with a spoon, then simmer for 4-5 minutes.
14. Dip the cold melomakarona in the hot syrup, three or four at a time only.
15. Let them stand for 1 minute and take them out with a slotted spoon.
16. Place on a decorative platter and immediately sprinkle with a little cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
17. If they are not consumed during the next 3-4 days they should be kept in airright tins, like biscuits.
18. Allow two melomakarona per person.