Konstantino’s Melomakarona
Ingredients
For the cookies
1 cup (250 mL) olive oil
1 cup (250 mL) orange juice
1 cup (250 mL) sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1 tsp (5 mL) ground cloves
4 cups (1 L) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 mL) walnuts, finely chopped
For the syrup
1 cup (250 mL) honey
1 cup (250 mL) sugar
1 cup (250 mL) water
Zest one orange
1 cinnamon stick
Directions
Combine honey, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Combine olive oil, orange juice, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Combine baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Preheat the oven to 350F/177C. Roll the dough into oval shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Once baked, immediately immerse the warm cookies in the cooled syrup for a few seconds, then place on a wire rack to drain.
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Cool completely before serving.
Yield: 24 cookies.