Melomacarona (Greek Honey Cookies)

2 cup olive oil or Wesson
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brandy
7 1/2 to 8 cup sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
FOR THE SYRUP:
2 cup honey
2 cup sugar
2 cup water

Beat together first four ingredients.

Sift flour, baking powder and soda three times. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the oil mixture 1 cup at a time and knead gently.

Pinch off small portions of dough the size of an egg and form into little patties. Roll them to make oblong rolls.

Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Boil honey, sugar and water for five minutes. Pour syrup over cookies in a deep pan. Allow to soak for 15 minutes.

Take cookies out of the syrup and place on a large platter. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and cinnamon.

I like to put each one of my cookies in a silver cupcake paper and then sprinkle with the nuts and cinnamon. These are a traditional Christmas sweet.

Makes 40
Source: Michael Walton, 1996