Melomakarona

Very yummy Greek traditional xmas goodies

For the dough
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons brandy
Juice of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 3/4 self raising flour
pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

For the Syrup

1 teacup honey
1/2 cup of sugar
2/3 cup of water

For the Topping

2 teaspoons of cinnamon
170 grams of shelled walnuts, coarsely chopped

Beat the oil and sugar well, add the brandy, orange juice and cinnamon and blend.
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.
Knead the dough well for about 10 minutes. If too sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more flour and mix it well.
Knead until it feels soft and pliable.
Flour your hands and take egg sized portions of dough. Roll and shape them into small oval shapes.
Place on an unbuttered baking sheet and flatten them with the palm of your hand.
Bake in a preheated oven, 180C, for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool and harden for 24 hours before dipping them in the honey syrup.
Prepare the syrup by mixing in a saucepan the honey, sugar and water. Bring slowly to the boil, skim with a spoon, then simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.
Dip the cold melomakarona in the hot syrup, three or four at a time only. Let them stand for 1 minute and take them out with a slotted spoon. Place on a decorative platter and immediately sprinkle with a little cinnamon and chopped walnuts.

If they are not consumed during the next 3 to 4 days they should be kept in airtight tins, like biscuits.

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