Melomakarona

makes: 2-1/3 dozen

Honey coated cookies with a nut filling. Also known as Finikia or Phinikia.

filling
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoons orange juice
¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
1 drop almond extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
dough
1 cup butter
¾ cup powdered sugar
zest of 1 orange
¼ c peanut or corn oil
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon brandy
glaze
¼ cup honey
½ cup sugar
¼ cup butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup water
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. To make the filling combine honey with orange juice, then add walnuts, almond extract, and cinnamon; set aside. Cream butter, sugar, and orange zest until creamy. Gradually add oil and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in flour, baking powder, orange juice, and brandy. Lightly knead dough for 1 minute. Roll dough into 1" balls, then flatten, and place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Fold dough over. To seal, press open edges closed by pressing together with a fork. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. While cookies are baking make the glaze: In a saucepan combine honey, sugar, butter, lemon juice, water, cinnamon, and cloves over low heat, cook until sugar is dissolved. Turn up heat to medium and bring mixture to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks. Dip cookies into hot glaze or pour glaze over the top. Let set.