Grape Must Cookies - Moustokouloura
These classic Greek cookies are a tasty accompaniment for your coffee or tea. They have the distinctive taste of must - which is taken from the pressed grapes before it is made into wine - and a hint of cinnamon. The quality of the must determines their taste, as moustokouloura have no additional sugar. If the grape must is not sweet enough, it is boiled down to become thick petimezi (grape molasses) a standard item in all traditional homes.
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EmailIngredients:
4-5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 cup extra-virgin Greek olive oil
1-2 tbsp sugar
3/4 cup cup petimezi (grape must syrup)
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup brandy
1 pinch of sea salt
Procedure:
Preheat oven at 170° C.
Sift four cups of flour, the baking powder and spices together in a large bowl.
Beat the olive oil and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy.
Slowly add the grape syrup and continue beating for about 5-7 minutes. Add water and beat another 5 minutes.
Add the flour to the liquid in increments, mixing well with a wooden spoon after each addition. A dough mass will begin to form. Knead in the bowl until soft and malleable.
Take a little knob of dough at a time, about the size of an unshelled walnut, and shape it into a thin rope and then into a circle, pressing the edges together, or give them the shape of your taste..
Bake on greased cookie sheets for about 12-15 minutes, or until crisp. Be careful not to over bake.
Cool on racks and store in a cool, dry place.
