Melomakarona – Τα μελομακάρονα
The most the favorite Greek traditional treat for Christmas is … melomakarona. Greeks love the taste of melomakarona. The basic ingredient is μέλι, Greek honey. The etymology of melomakarona is «μέλι + μακάρια». The second word in Ancient Greek means blessed by God. In ancient Greece “makaria” was the bread offered after funerals to honor people who passed away.
Melonakarona’s shape and taste
Melomakarona have oval shape. They look like an egg cut in half with choped walnuts. The smell of melomakarona is delightful. The combination of cinamon, cloves and honey is just perfect.
A quick and simple recipe for melomakarona is as follows:
Ingredients for the dough
olive oil = λάδι
orange juice = χυμός πορτοκάλι
flour = αλεύρι
sugar = ζάχαρη
cinnamon = κανέλα
clove = γαρίφαλο
brandy = κονιάκ
Avoid overworking the dough because it will be tough. Take a fork and pierce them three times.
Ingredients for the syrop – Υλικά για το σιρόπι
water
honey
half orange
cinammon
clove
How to garnish the malomakarona?
Use chopped walnuts and powdered cinammon. If you like the smell the of clove, you can add some powdered clove, too.
