For the dough
3 cups (750 mL) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 mL) olive oil
½ cup (125 mL) Ouzo or
orange juice
1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar
½ tsp (2.5 mL) baking powder
A pinch of salt
For the filling
2 cup (500 mL) walnuts, finely chopped
½ cup (125 mL) dried figs, chopped
½ cup (125 mL) dates, chopped
½ cup (125 mL) sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1/4 cup (60 mL) honey
Zest of 1 orange or lemon
A few tablespoons of water (to moisten)
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well. Add the olive oil and ouzo (or orange juice) to the dry ingredients. Knead until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little water.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
While it rests, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, figs, dates, sugar, cinnamon, honey, and citrus zest. If the mixture is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water to moisten it.
Preheat your oven to 350F/177C.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut it into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass about 3-4 inches diameter (7.5 to 10 centimetres).
Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of each circle. Place a second circle over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers.
Arrange the skaltsounia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.