Melomakarona

Ingredients

• 250 ml (1 cup) olive or sunflower oil
• 100 g (½ cup) sugar
• 120 ml (½ cup) orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp cloves
• 600 g (about 5 cups) flour
• Syrup: 250 g (¾ cup) honey, 200 g (1 cup) sugar, 250 ml (1 cup) water
• Chopped walnuts to finish

Method

1. Boil the syrup ingredients for 5 minutes and let it cool completely.
2. Whisk the oil, sugar, juice and zest. Dissolve the baking soda in the juice mixture, then mix in the baking powder, spices and enough flour for a soft, oily dough. Do not knead much.
3. Shape into small ovals, press the tops with a fork and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Dip the hot cookies into the cold syrup for 30 seconds, then sprinkle with walnuts.

Tip. They have no butter or eggs, so they fit the Nativity Fast and taste better after a few days.