Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fine semolina
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, semolina, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and saffron threads.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until warm. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Add the sugar, honey, orange juice, and orange zest to the warm oil and whisk until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Take a small portion of the dough and shape it into an oval or round cookie shape. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush each cookie with some of the remaining oil mixture.
9. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the cookies.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
12. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nuts instead of walnuts.
- You can use any type of citrus fruit instead of orange.
Variations:
- You can add some chopped dates or raisins to the dough.
- You can add some ground cardamom or ginger to the dough.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the cookies with the oil mixture while they are still warm to help them absorb the flavors.
- You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
You can reheat the cookies in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the cookies with some orange zest or chopped nuts.
Pairings:
These cookies go well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies can be served as a dessert on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more orange juice or oil.
- If the cookies are too hard, reduce the baking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and utensils before cooking.
Food history:
Melomakarono is a traditional Greek Christmas cookie made with honey and spices.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of saffron and orange.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a dessert or snack during the holiday season.
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Region: Greek