Melomakarona

Melomakarona (sing. Melomakarono) are a Greek traditional Christmas dessert. They are biscuits dipped in syrup coated with sesame or nuts.

The word "melomakarona" is complex and consists of the words "meli" (honey) and "makaria" (a dish served in medieval times at funerals).

Who would have thought that such a delicious and festive dessert would have such a ... macabre past!

Today we will make tempting, delicious melomakarona together, with my grandmother's old recipe. I hope you enjoy both the result and the process.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Recipe

• 200 gr. orange juice
• 200 gr. raki (an alcoholic drink similar to vodka)
• 850 gr. olive oil
• 300+600 gr. sugar
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. ground clove
• 1 tbsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 20 gr. baking powder
• 1800 gr. all-purpose flour
• 500 gr. sesame seeds
• 600 gr. water
• 750 gr. honey

1. First, in a large bowl add the orange juice, the raki, the 300 gr. of sugar, the olive oil, the cinnamon, and the clove and mix with your hands until the sugar dissolves. Add half the flour, the baking powder, and the baking soda and knead well. Add the rest of the flour in portions. The dough should be soft and not stick to the hands.
2. Next, take small balls of dough, shape them into long and narrow strips and place them on a baking sheet over a piece of non-stick baking paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 390°F (or 200°C) until golden brown.
3. Then, roast the sesame seeds in a pan, over medium heat, stirring constantly until they turn dark, but not burnt. Let them cool and then crush them in a blender.
4. Then, to make the syrup, pour the water in a saucepan, the 600 gr. of sugar, and the honey and stir until the sugar dissolves. When the syrup starts to boil, continue cooking for 5 minutes.
5. Finally, while the cookies are cold and the syrup is hot, start dipping the melomakarona in the syrup in pairs for 5-15 seconds depending on your preferences, and roll them in the crushed sesame.