We are excited that today we cooked at our school with our students. After the end of the lessons, our philologist, Nancy, introduced our students to the Christmas sweets that we usually eat in Greece during this festive season and then they cooked the most famous one, melomakarona. They followed the recipe – written in Greek – and turned our school kitchen in Athens into a cooking workshop. I guarantee you the result was delicious and the whole building had that festive smell. Congratulations to our students for this wonderful achievement!
Some intresting details for melomakarono (Το μελομακάρονο): Melomakarono is one of the most beloved and traditional Greek sweets, inextricably linked to the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Its taste, texture and preparation process have made it an integral part of the holidays, while its recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with variations and adaptations depending on the region.
Melomakarono seems, at least etymologically, to be completely Greek. So reports suggest that the name of the Christmas dessert has its roots in the funeral dinner that was prepared during the Middle Ages. Macaronia, as it was called, was the dish that those attending the funeral service ate. The name of the dish, macaronia, seems to be related to small breads, probably in the shape of today’s melomakarono, which were shared during a funeral. Unexplained how and why, some makaria (psychopita) dipped in sweet honey and thus melomakarono emerged.
The symbolism of melomakarono is deeply rooted in the tradition of Greek hospitality. It is often offered to guests during the holidays, either with coffee, or as part of the festive table. Honey, as a key ingredient, symbolizes good luck, prosperity and blessing for the new year, while walnut kernels impart a sense of wealth and abundance.
In Greece, there are many variations of melomakarono depending on the region and the preferences of the housewives. Some add cinnamon or cloves to the dough for extra flavor, while others use less sugar or combine honey with liqueurs, such as raki or ouzo, for a more unique flavor. Some prefer their melomakarona more syrupy, while others let them absorb less syrup to maintain their crunchiness.
Every year, melomakarono is at the top of the favourite sweets of the Christmas period, so you definitely have to try it!!!
