Phoenician Honey Cookies (Biscuits)

Ingredients

• butter
• for greasing
• 1 3/4 cups (200 g / 7 oz) all-purpose (plain) flour
• pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons superfine (caster) sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ammonium bicarbonate or baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
• equal quantities olive and corn oil
• for deep-frying
• finely chopped walnuts
• for sprinkling
• 1 1/4 cups (250 g / 9 oz) superfine (caster) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) honey

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C/Gas Mark 6) and grease 2 cookie sheets (baking trays) with butter.

2. 2

   Sift together the flour and salt into a large bowl and make a well in the center.

3. 3

   Add the sugar, oil, lemon zest, and vanilla.

4. 4

   Stir the baking soda into 5 tablespoons water in a bowl and pour into the well.

5. 5

   Using a spoon, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, then knead gently to a soft and pliable dough, adding a little more water if necessary.

6. 6

   Break off small pieces of dough and roll into cylinders the size of your thumb, then press lightly to flatten.

7. 7

   Put them onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced well apart, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.

8. 8

   Remove from the oven.

9. 9

   To make the syrup, put the sugar, honey, and 1 1/4 cups (300 ml / 1/2 pint) water into a pan and bring to a boil.

10. 10

    Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.

11. 11

    Pour a mixture of equal parts olive and corn oil into a heavy pan to a depth of 3 inches (7.5 cm) and heat it to 375°F (190°C), or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds.

12. 12

    Carefully drop batches of the cookies into the hot oil and fry for a few minutes, until golden brown.

13. 13

    Remove with a slotted spoon, drain well, and drop into the hot syrup.

14. 14

    Let absorb syrup for 3-4 minutes.

15. 15

    Remove with a slotted spoon, transfer to a serving platter, and sprinkle with finely chopped walnuts.