Greek Recipes

These beautiful, cinamon and clove spiced cookies are the Greek version of biscotti. Where the Irish drink tea to sooth the soul, paximathia and a small cup of strong, sweet Greek coffee have the same ability to calm and melt away stress. Paximathakia are often made in Greek homes and kept in the biscuit tin for when friends and family call in. As they contain no butter or eggs, paximathakia are also often served during the Lenten season. Traditionally, they are also sometimes served as a part of the Makaria (Mercy Meal) , following the passing of a loved one, as a sign of fasting and mourning that the departed has left this life. On this occasion Greek coffee is sometimes replaced with small glasses of Metaxa brandy. This paximathakia recipe is based on the one given to me by my mother in law, made in the traditional Zakyinthian way with olive oil, the juice and zest from homegown oranges, and Zakythian currants. I have added my own twist by adding some apricots and roasted hazelnuts,...