Discover the Joy of Greek Christmas Goodies: Mastering Kourabiedes and Melomakarona

Embracing Greek Festive Flavours in South Africa

In South Africa, we love celebrating with an array of flavours and dishes from across the globe. Greek Christmas cuisine, with its unique blend of Mediterranean aromas and tastes, offers something truly special for the festive season.

Melomakarona: A Honey-Sweet Delight

Our Melomakarona, often referred to as Greek Christmas honey cookies, are a staple on your big fat Greek dinner table. These little treats are known for their sweet, cinnamon flavour and moist texture, drenched in honey syrup.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– ½ cup sugar
– ½ cup orange juice
– ¼ cup brandy
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 2 ½ cups flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon ground clove
– 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the syrup:

– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Orange peel strips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Mix olive oil, sugar, orange juice, brandy, and orange zest in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and clove.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture to form a dough.
5. Shape the dough into small ovals and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes or until they are nicely browned.
7. For the syrup, combine honey, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and orange peel in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes.
8. Dip the hot Melomakarona in the syrup for about 20-30 seconds, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Kourabiedes: Buttery Almond Shortbread Cookies

Kourabiedes are delightful almond cookies, dusted with icing sugar, and are another traditional Greek Christmas treat. They are known for their buttery richness and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– ½ cup icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups flour
– 1 cup finely chopped almonds
– A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Cream the butter and ½ cup icing sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour, chopped almonds, and a pinch of salt, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and slightly flatten them.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are just golden.
7. Let them cool slightly, then dust generously with icing sugar.

Bringing Greek Christmas to Your Table

Melomakarona and Kourabiedes are not just treats; they’re a journey into the heart of Greek culture and tradition. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or simply enjoying the festive season with close friends, these recipes will surely bring a touch of Greek joy to your table.

This Christmas, as you gather around the table, let these delightful Greek treats add a special sparkle to your festivities. Kali Orexi and Xronia Polla!