Finikia

In Williamsburg, VA, a really neat couple have introduced me to this scrumptious greek delicacy called "Finikia". It means walnut due to its shape resemble a walnut. The cookies are made of the regular flour, sugar etc. The key ingredient to distinguish this cookie from others is semolina which gives the crunch to this cookies. Just like many other greek desserts, this cookie get the finish in the honey bath. It can be keep at room temperature for days to come.

I have used the recipe posted on my all-time favorite site www.allrecipes.com.

1/2 c butter softened
1/2 c sugar (I used caster sugar)
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 grated orange zest (I omitted this since I don't have it on hand)
2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c semolina
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1/2 c orange juice



Syrup
1 c water
1 c white sugar
1/2 c honey
1 stick of cinnamon
2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 c finely chopped walnuts

Direction

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In the electric mixer, cream together butter, sugar and orange zest (if you use them) until you get light consistency.
3. Add oil and beat until the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Combine all dry ingredients; beat into the mixture alternate with orange juice and finish with flour mixture.
5. The mixture should be pliable consistency.
6. Knead 1 Tablespoon of dough into an oblong shape and place onto the baking pan. (No need to butter the pan)
7. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.
8. Cool on a wire rack. While waiting for the cookies to cool, prepare the honey syrup.

Syrup

1.