Greek Christmas Honey Cookies - Melomakarona

Christmas in Greece is a magical time for children and adults alike. In a world that's changing rapidly, Christmas traditions are still very much alive. Take Christmas carolers, for instance. Children of all ages, will go around the neighborhoods from house to house in the morning of Christmas Eve to sing Christmas carols. Singing is usually accompanied by the sounds of a triangle while the more adventurous might even carry accordions or harmonicas.

The children are rewarded with Christmas cookies, candy and even cash -- which they can use to buy gifts for their parents and siblings or even themselves.

A very popular Christmas treat in Greece is called melomakarona. They are honey-coated cookies that are made without butter or eggs.

You will need olive oil, fresh orange juice, cognac or brandy, walnuts, sugar and spices among other things, and, of course, honey!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups extra virgin olive oil

½ cup fresh orange juice

grated orange rind

1 cup sugar

¼ cup brandy or cognac

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

juice of half a lemon

a pinch of salt

unbleached flour (I refer organic) as much as needed, usually about 2 pounds

1 cup shelled walnuts, chopped

For the syrup

1 cup honey

2 cups water

1 cup sugar

Beat the olive oil and sugar with an electric mixer until the olive oil turns white. It could take up to 15 minutes.

Beat in the orange juice, the lemon juice and the brandy.

Then add and beat in the grated orange rind, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves and salt.

Using your hands, gradually work the flour into the mixture. Knead for 10 minutes, until the dough is soft and pliable.

Preheat the oven to 355 F (180 C). Pinch off small pieces of the dough. Shape them into 2in long ovals and place on greased baking or cookie sheet.

Using a fork (or a finger), flatten each cookie slightly. Make sure the cookies are well spaced on the baking sheet as they are going to get considerably bigger in the oven.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on baking wracks or paper towels.

Meanwhile, prepare the syrup. Place the water, honey and sugar in a medium pan. Bring to a boil stirring. Then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Place the cold cookies into the hot syrup (as many as will fit in the pan) and hold them down with a spatula for 30 seconds.

When the cookies are soaked, remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a platter or large plate. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts and cinnamon if desired before placing another layer of cookies on top.

Melomakarona will stay fresh for several days at room temperature, especially if you cover them with plastic wrap or keep them in Tupperware or tins.

Enjoy this fantastic cholesterol-free treat this Christmas and visit Greece during Christmas when you get a chance. It'll be an experience you'll never forget.