A Holiday Special, Laiik Makes Melomakarona

Happy holidays everyone! This year, we're bringing you our short, but very sweet, Kalo Mina Greek Xmas edition, where we make our favorite Greek cookies. 

They're called Melomakarona, or 'honey macaroons', and they're everything you want in a cookie. Traditionally made during the Xmas holidays, melomakarona, they're wonderfully aromatic, winter-spiced, and sticky - in the best way possible. So grab your shoes, head to the market and come make Greek cookies with us. 

Preparation time: 15 mins 

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Portions: approx. 50 pieces, depending on size made

Ingredients

For the Melomakarona

• Olive oil -  1 1/4 cups / 250 grams
• Sunflower oil -  1 1/4 / 250 grams
• Brandy - 1.7 ounces / 50 ml
• Orange juice - ¾ cup 
• Baking soda - 1 teaspoon
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Flour - 900 grams / 6 cups
• Clove powder - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon powder - 2 teaspoons
• Baking powder - 2 teaspoons
• Oranges - 2 unwaxed

For the syrup

• Sugar - 2 cups
• Water - 1.7 cups
• Honey - 1.2 cups
• Lemon - ½ half (unwaxed)
• Cinnamon stick - 2

Execution

1. Sift the flour through a sieve into a bowl, and add the baking powder
2. In another bowl, add the olive oil, sunflower oil, brandy, sugar, cinnamon powder, clove powder, while gently mixing with a wire whisk. Add the zest of two oranges and continue mixing until the sugar melts
3. Add the baking soda to the orange juice and add to the bowl with the mixture, and continue whisking gently
4. In small batches, add the flour and baking soda mix to the bowl, and mix with the whisk.
5. As you add the last batches and the dough starts to form, gently knead with your hands - don’t overwork the dough, just until the flour mixes in properly
6. Cover the bowl with a cloth, and allow to sit for 15 minutes
7. Take walnut-sized balls from the dough, and form into small oval shapes, and place in a baking tray
8. Using a fork, pierce the top of the dough multiple times
9. Bake in an oven at 320 DegF for 20-23 minutes
10. Remove and allow to cool down

For the Syrup

1. Add the water, honey and sugar in a pot on medium heat, and gently mix
2. Add the half lemon and the cinnamon sticks
3. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 minutes, and gently remove any surface froth

Serving

1. While the syrup is still warm, dunk the oval dough balls into the syrup for 5-10 seconds.
2. Sprinkle on top with ground walnut
3. Enjoy!