Nothing says Christmas like the smell of delicious baked goods filling your home. This Greek Christmas baking recipe is a perfect way to add some Mediterranean flair to your holiday spread. Meliopita, also known as honey pie, is a traditional Greek dessert that combines the richness of honey with a tender, buttery crust. It’s a sweet treat that will surely become a family favorite during the festive season. Let’s dive into how you can bring a taste of Greece to your holiday table with this Meliopita Honey Pie recipe.
**Meliopita Honey Pie**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add the brandy to the mixture, using a fork to combine until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. In another bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, almonds, breadcrumbs, honey, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will be your filling.
6. Take out the larger portion of dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of your pie dish. Press the dough gently into the dish.
7. Spread the filling evenly over the dough in the pie dish.
8. Roll out the remaining portion of dough to cover the filling. Carefully place it over the filling, gently pressing the edges to seal the pie.
9. Using a sharp knife, make crisscross patterns or decorate as you wish on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Bake the Meliopita in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
11. Allow the pie to cool in the dish for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
That’s it! You now have a beautiful and delicious Meliopita Honey Pie to share with your loved ones this holiday season. The fragrant aroma of honey, nuts, and spices will fill your home with warmth and delight. Enjoy this traditional Greek Christmas dessert as a sweet ending to your festive feast. Wishing you a joyous and tasty holiday season!
