Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup honey
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, semolina flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, orange juice, brandy, and sugar until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and shape them into oval shapes.
7. Place the finikia on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. While the finikia are baking, prepare the orange glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
9. Once the finikia are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush them with honey while they are still warm.
10. Drizzle the orange glaze over the finikia and let them cool completely before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 finikia
Nutritional information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Sugar: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the chopped walnuts with chopped almonds or pistachios.
- If you don't have brandy, you can use rum or whiskey instead.
Variations:
- You can add a pinch of ground cardamom to the dough for extra flavor.
- Instead of orange glaze, you can drizzle the finikia with melted chocolate.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the finikia with honey while they are still warm to help the honey absorb into the cookies.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more orange juice until it comes together.
- To make the finikia more uniform in size, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
Storage instructions:
Store the finikia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the finikia, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the finikia on a platter and garnish with orange slices and fresh mint leaves.
Garnishes:
- Orange slices
- Fresh mint leaves
Pairings:
- Greek coffee
- Hot tea
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it comes together.
- If the finikia are too dry, brush them with a little more honey before serving.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands before handling food.
- Store the finikia in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Food history:
Finikia are a traditional Greek cookie that are typically made during the Christmas season. They are often flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and honey, and are sometimes dipped in syrup after baking.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and citrusy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the finikia as a dessert or snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Greek