Grape harvest is here and it is time for ‘’moustokouloura’’. ‘’Moustokouloura’’ are special cookies, very tasty and super healthy. They are special, because their main characteristic ingredient is grape juice. 

Ingredients

1 cup concentrated grape juice

1/2 cup olive oil or corn oil

2 tablespoons brandy

4 tablespoons fresh orange juice

4 cups self-rising flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Method 
 
- Preheat the oven at 175° C set to fan.

- In a bowl mix together sifted flour, sugar, soda, salt, cinnamon and ground cloves.

- In another bowl whisk together olive oil, concentrated grape juice, brandy and orange juice,  for about 2-3 minutes, until well combined. You can use a hand mixer, if you like.

- Slowly add the flour mixture to the olive oil mixture whisking constantly. When whisking starting to be difficult, mix in the rest of the flour with your hands. The dough should be soft and pliable. 

- Take small amount of the dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll it to a rope about 1 cm diameter. Shape it to a circle by pressing the edges together.

- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

- Bake for 15-17 minutes. Do not over bake. They seem to be soft when taking out of the oven, but they will harden when cooled.

- Let cool completely on a wire rack.