Melomacarona (Finikia) Recipe

Greek Honey Cakes

Melomacarona (Μελομακάρονα) are small cookies or cakes which are always made for Christmas in Greece and Cyprus.

Covered in syrup and walnuts they are made in large batches over the festive season.

Also known as Finikia or (Φοινίκια), they are very easy to make or can be bought from bakeries and supermarkets.

The following recipe can be made with pistachio nuts or walnuts.

Makes 24 small cookies or 12 small cakes

Ingredients

• 150ml Olive Oil (not too strong)
• 100g butter (softened)
• 400g all purpose flour (3 1/4 cups of flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 / 3 tablespoons brandy to taste
• 2/3 – 1 cup cup sugar depending on taste
• juice of 1 orange
• zest of orange
• pinch of salt
• chopped walnuts or pistachio nuts to decorate cookies

Syrup

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• juice of one lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180 degrees (°C) and grease (olive oil or butter) a baking tray.

STEP 1

Make the dough …

1. Soften the butter and place in a bowl with the olive oil and sugar.
2. Mix well and then add the orange juice and brandy to the mix.
3. Pour the flour into a separate bowl and add the baking powder and spices.
4. Then slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and form into a dough.
5. Place on a floured boad and knead for a few minutes.
6. Break off pieces the size of a small walnut for small cookies and roll into a small ball.
7. For cakes use double the quantity and roll into a finger shape.
8. Cook for 20 mins or until golden.

STEP 2

Make the syrup whilst the cakes are cooking …

• Add the honey, cinnamon stick, cloves, water and sugar to a pan.
• Bring to the boil,  simmer for  10 mins and then add lemon juice.

STEP 3

Soak cookies in syrup

When cookies are ready, take out of the oven and pour over the cooled syrup (always add cool to hot never hot to hot)

• Put the syrup into a 1 or 2 inch dish or container.
• Add cookies and leave until they have absorbed the syrup on both sides (depending on taste),
• Sprinkle with nuts and serve on a plate.

Christmas in Cyprus
Cyprus Recipes
Cyprus Food