kids encyclopedia robot

Melomakarono facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Melomakarona
Melomakarona.jpg
Course Dessert
Place of origin Greece
Main ingredients Semolina, olive oil and honey
Finikia at the 2011 Greek Festival
Finikia

The melomakarono (Greek: μελομακάρονο plural: μελομακάρονα, melomakarona) is an egg-shaped Greek dessert made mainly from flour, olive oil, and honey. Along with the kourabies it is a traditional dessert prepared primarily during the Christmas holiday season. They are also known as finikia.

Historically, melomakarona are thought to be derived from the ancient and medieval makaria, which were eaten during funerals. Gradual changes in the recipe and the addition of dipping them in honey led to melomakarona which etymologically is derived from the Greek word for honey "meli" and "makaria".

Typical ingredients of the melomakarono are flour or semolina, sugar, orange zest and/or fresh juice, cognac (or similar beverage), cinnamon and olive oil. During rolling they are often filled with ground walnuts. Immediately after baking, they are immersed for a few seconds in cold syrup made of honey and sugar dissolved in water. Finally, they are decorated with ground, as well as bigger pieces of walnut. Dark chocolate-covered melomakarona are also a more recent variation of the traditional recipe.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Melomakarono para niños

kids search engine
Melomakarono Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.